NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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Designation: A370 − 23

Standard Test Methods and Definitions for

Mechanical Testing of Steel Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A370; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* Testing Multi-Wire Strand Annex A7

Rounding of Test Data Annex A8
1.1 These test methods2 cover procedures and definitions Methods for Testing Steel Reinforcing Bars Annex A9
for the mechanical testing of steels, stainless steels, and related Procedure for Use and Control of Heat-cycle Simulation Annex A10
alloys. The various mechanical tests herein described are used 1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
to determine properties required in the product specifications. as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Variations in testing methods are to be avoided, and standard conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
methods of testing are to be followed to obtain reproducible and are not considered standard.
and comparable results. In those cases in which the testing
requirements for certain products are unique or at variance with 1.5 When these test methods are referenced in a metric
these general procedures, the product specification testing product specification, the yield and tensile values may be
requirements shall control. determined in inch-pound (ksi) units then converted into SI
1.2 The following mechanical tests are described: (MPa) units. The elongation determined in inch-pound gauge
Sections
lengths of 2 in. or 8 in. may be reported in SI unit gauge
Tension 7 to 14 lengths of 50 mm or 200 mm, respectively, as applicable.
Bend 15 Conversely, when these test methods are referenced in an
Hardness 16
Brinell 17
inch-pound product specification, the yield and tensile values
Rockwell 18 may be determined in SI units then converted into inch-pound
Portable 19 units. The elongation determined in SI unit gauge lengths of
Impact 20 to 30
Keywords 32 50 mm or 200 mm may be reported in inch-pound gauge
lengths of 2 in. or 8 in., respectively, as applicable.
1.3 Annexes covering details peculiar to certain products
are appended to these test methods as follows: 1.5.1 The specimen used to determine the original units
Annex
must conform to the applicable tolerances of the original unit
Bar Products Annex A1 system given in the dimension table not that of the converted
Tubular Products Annex A2 tolerance dimensions.
Fasteners Annex A3
Round Wire Products Annex A4
NOTE 1—This is due to the specimen SI dimensions and tolerances
Significance of Notched-Bar Impact Testing Annex A5
Converting Percentage Elongation of Round Specimens to Annex A6
being hard conversions when this is not a dual standard. The user is
Equivalents for Flat Specimens directed to Test Methods A1058 if the tests are required in SI units.
1.6 Attention is directed to ISO/IEC 17025 when there may
be a need for information on criteria for evaluation of testing
laboratories.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1
These test methods and definitions are under the jurisdiction of ASTM mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and are the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee A01.13 on Mechanical and Chemical Testing and
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
Processing Methods of Steel Products and Processes. dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
approved in 1953. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as A370 – 22. DOI: Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
10.1520/A0370-23.
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
cation SA-370 in Section II of that Code. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 A370 − 23
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.1 For definitions of terms pertaining to mechanical
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 testing of steel products not otherwise listed in this section,
A623 Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Require- reference shall be made to Terminology E6 and Terminology
ments A941.
A623M Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Re- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
quirements [Metric] 3.2.1 fixed-location hardness testing machine, n—a hard-
A833 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Metallic ness testing machine that is designed for routine operation in a
Materials by Comparison Hardness Testers fixed-location by the users and is not designed to be
A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related transported, or carried, or moved.
Alloys, and Ferroalloys 3.2.1.1 Discussion—Typically due to its heavy weight and
A956/A956M Test Method for Leeb Hardness Testing of large size, a fixed-location hardness testing machine is placed
Steel Products in one location and not routinely moved.
A1038 Test Method for Portable Hardness Testing by the 3.2.2 longitudinal test, n—unless specifically defined
Ultrasonic Contact Impedance Method otherwise, signifies that the lengthwise axis of the specimen is
A1058 Test Methods for Mechanical Testing of Steel parallel to the direction of the greatest extension of the steel
Products—Metric during rolling or forging.
A1061/A1061M Test Methods for Testing Multi-Wire Steel 3.2.2.1 Discussion—The stress applied to a longitudinal
Prestressing Strand tension test specimen is in the direction of the greatest
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test- extension, and the axis of the fold of a longitudinal bend test
ing Machines specimen is at right angles to the direction of greatest extension
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2a, and Fig. 2b).
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma- 3.2.3 portable hardness testing machine,, n—a hardness
terials testing machine that is designed to be transported, carried, set
E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials up, and that measures hardness in accordance with the test
E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma- methods in Section 19.
terials
3.2.4 radial test, n—unless specifically defined otherwise,
E23 Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of Me-
signifies that the lengthwise axis of the specimen is perpen-
tallic Materials
dicular to the axis of the product and coincident with one of the
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
radii of a circle drawn with a point on the axis of the product
Determine Conformance with Specifications
as a center (see Fig. 2a).
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
someter Systems 3.2.5 tangential test, n—unless specifically defined
E110 Test Method for Rockwell and Brinell Hardness of otherwise, signifies that the lengthwise axis of the specimen
Metallic Materials by Portable Hardness Testers perpendicular to a plane containing the axis of the product and
E190 Test Method for Guided Bend Test for Ductility of tangent to a circle drawn with a point on the axis of the
Welds productas a center (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 2c, and Fig. 2d).
E290 Test Methods for Bend Testing of Material for Ductil-
ity
2.2 ASME Document:4
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII,
Division I, Part UG-8
2.3 ISO Standard:5
ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence
of Testing and Calibration Laboratories

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:

3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
4
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org.
5
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, FIG. 1 Relation of Test Coupons and Test Specimens to Rolling
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. Direction or Extension (Applicable to General Wrought Products)

2
 A370 − 23

FIG. 2 Location of Longitudinal Tension Test Specimens in Rings Cut From Tubular Products

3.2.6 transition temperature, n—for specification purposes, 3.2.7 transverse test, n—unless specifically defined
the transition temperature is the temperature at which the otherwise, signifies that the lengthwise axis of the specimen is
designated material test value equals or exceeds a specified right angles to the direction of the greatest extension of the
minimum test value. steel during rolling or forging.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—Some of the many definitions of tran- 3.2.7.1 Discussion—The stress applied to a transverse ten-
sition temperature currently being used are: (1) the lowest sion test specimen is at right angles to the greatest extension,
temperature at which the specimen exhibits 100 % fibrous and the axis of the fold of a transverse bend test specimen is
fracture, (2) the temperature where the fracture shows a 50 %
parallel to the greatest extension (see Fig. 1).
crystalline and a 50 % fibrous appearance, (3) the temperature
corresponding to the energy value 50 % of the difference
between values obtained at 100 % and 0 % fibrous fracture, and
(4) the temperature corresponding to a specific energy value.

3
 A370 − 23
3.3 Definition of Terms Specific to the Procedure for Use inhomogeneity, anisotropic structure, natural aging of select
and Control of Heat-cycle Simulation (See Annex A9): alloys, further processing not included in the specification,
3.3.1 master chart, n—a record of the heat treatment re- sampling limitations, and measuring equipment calibration
ceived from a forging essentially identical to the production uncertainty. There is statistical variation in all aspects of
forgings that it will represent. mechanical testing and variations in test results from prior tests
3.3.1.1 Discussion—It is a chart of time and temperature are expected. An understanding of possible reasons for devia-
showing the output from thermocouples imbedded in the tion from specified or expected test values should be applied in
forging at the designated test immersion and test location or interpretation of test results.
locations.
5. General Precautions
3.3.2 program chart, n—the metallized sheet used to pro-
5.1 Certain methods of fabrication, such as bending,
gram the simulator unit.
forming, and welding, or operations involving heating, may
3.3.2.1 Discussion—Time-temperature data from the master
affect the properties of the material under test. Therefore, the
chart are manually transferred to the program chart.
product specifications cover the stage of manufacture at which
3.3.3 simulator chart, n—a record of the heat treatment that mechanical testing is to be performed. The properties shown by
a test specimen had received in the simulator unit. testing prior to fabrication may not necessarily be representa-
3.3.3.1 Discussion—It is a chart of time and temperature tive of the product after it has been completely fabricated.
and can be compared directly to the master chart for accuracy
of duplication. 5.2 Improperly machined specimens should be discarded
and other specimens substituted.
3.3.4 simulator cycle, n—one continuous heat treatment of a
set of specimens in the simulator unit. 5.3 Flaws in the specimen may also affect results. If any test
3.3.4.1 Discussion—The cycle includes heating from specimen develops flaws, the retest provision of the applicable
ambient, holding at temperature, and cooling. For example, a product specification shall govern.
simulated austenitize and quench of a set of specimens would 5.4 If any test specimen fails because of mechanical reasons
be one cycle; a simulated temper of the same specimens would such as failure of testing equipment or improper specimen
be another cycle. preparation, it may be discarded and another specimen taken.
6. Orientation of Test Specimens
4. Significance and Use
6.1 The terms “longitudinal test” and “transverse test” are
4.1 The primary use of these test methods is testing to used only in material specifications for wrought products and
determine the specified mechanical properties of steel, stainless are not applicable to castings. When such reference is made to
steel, and related alloy products for the evaluation of confor- a test coupon or test specimen, see Section 3 for terms and
mance of such products to a material specification under the definitions.
jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 and its subcommittees as
designated by a purchaser in a purchase order or contract. TENSION TEST
4.1.1 These test methods may be and are used by other
ASTM Committees and other standards writing bodies for the 7. Description
purpose of conformance testing. 7.1 The tension test related to the mechanical testing of steel
4.1.2 The material condition at the time of testing, sampling products subjects a machined or full-section specimen of the
frequency, specimen location and orientation, reporting material under examination to a measured load sufficient to
requirements, and other test parameters are contained in the cause rupture. The resulting properties sought are defined in
pertinent material specification or in a general requirement Terminology E6.
specification for the particular product form. 7.2 In general, the testing equipment and methods are given
4.1.3 Some material specifications require the use of addi- in Test Methods E8/E8M. However, there are certain excep-
tional test methods not described herein; in such cases, the tions to Test Methods E8/E8M practices in the testing of steel,
required test method is described in that material specification and these are covered in these test methods.
or by reference to another appropriate test method standard.
8. Testing Apparatus and Operations
4.2 These test methods are also suitable to be used for
testing of steel, stainless steel and related alloy materials for 8.1 Loading Systems—There are two general types of load-
other purposes, such as incoming material acceptance testing ing systems, mechanical (screw power) and hydraulic. These
by the purchaser or evaluation of components after service differ chiefly in the variability of the rate of load application.
exposure. The older screw power machines are limited to a small number
4.2.1 As with any mechanical testing, deviations from either of fixed free running crosshead speeds. Some modern screw
specification limits or expected as-manufactured properties can power machines, and all hydraulic machines permit stepless
occur for valid reasons besides deficiency of the original variation throughout the range of speeds.
as-fabricated product. These reasons include, but are not 8.2 The tension testing machine shall be maintained in good
limited to: subsequent service degradation from environmental operating condition, used only in the proper loading range, and
exposure (for example, temperature, corrosion); static or cyclic calibrated periodically in accordance with the latest revision of
service stress effects, mechanically-induced damage, material Practices E4.

4
 A370 − 23
NOTE 2—Many machines are equipped with stress-strain recorders for 9. Test Specimen Parameters
autographic plotting of stress-strain curves. It should be noted that some
recorders have a load measuring component entirely separate from the 9.1 Selection—Test coupons shall be selected in accordance
load indicator of the testing machine. Such recorders are calibrated with the applicable product specifications.
separately. 9.1.1 Wrought Steels—Wrought steel products are usually
8.3 Loading—It is the function of the gripping or holding tested in the longitudinal direction, but in some cases, where
device of the testing machine to transmit the load from the size permits and the service justifies it, testing is in the
heads of the machine to the specimen under test. The essential transverse, radial, or tangential directions (see Figs. 1 and 2).
requirement is that the load shall be transmitted axially. This 9.1.2 Forged Steels—For open die forgings, the metal for
implies that the centers of the action of the grips shall be in tension testing is usually provided by allowing extensions or
prolongations on one or both ends of the forgings, either on all
alignment, insofar as practicable, with the axis of the specimen
or a representative number as provided by the applicable
at the beginning and during the test and that bending or
product specifications. Test specimens are normally taken at
twisting be held to a minimum. For specimens with a reduced
mid-radius. Certain product specifications permit the use of a
section, gripping of the specimen shall be restricted to the grip
representative bar or the destruction of a production part for
section. In the case of certain sections tested in full size,
test purposes. For ring or disk-like forgings test metal is
nonaxial loading is unavoidable and in such cases shall be
provided by increasing the diameter, thickness, or length of the
permissible.
forging. Upset disk or ring forgings, which are worked or
8.4 Speed of Testing—The speed of testing shall not be extended by forging in a direction perpendicular to the axis of
greater than that at which load and strain readings can be made the forging, usually have their principal extension along
accurately. In production testing, speed of testing is commonly concentric circles and for such forgings tangential tension
expressed: (1) in terms of free running crosshead speed (rate of specimens are obtained from extra metal on the periphery or
movement of the crosshead of the testing machine when not end of the forging. For some forgings, such as rotors, radial
under load), (2) in terms of rate of separation of the two heads tension tests are required. In such cases the specimens are cut
of the testing machine under load, (3) in terms of rate of or trepanned from specified locations.
stressing the specimen, or (4) in terms of rate of straining the 9.2 Size and Tolerances—Test specimens shall be (1) the
specimen. The following limitations on the speed of testing are full cross section of material, or (2) machined to the form and
recommended as adequate for most steel products: dimensions shown in Figs. 3-6. The selection of size and type
of specimen is prescribed by the applicable product specifica-
NOTE 3—Tension tests using closed-loop machines (with feedback
control of rate) should not be performed using load control, as this mode tion. Full cross section specimens shall be tested in 8-in.
of testing will result in acceleration of the crosshead upon yielding and (200 mm) gauge length unless otherwise specified in the
elevation of the measured yield strength. product specification.
8.4.1 Any convenient speed of testing may be used up to 9.3 Procurement of Test Specimens—Specimens shall be
one half the specified yield point or yield strength. When this extracted by any convenient method taking care to remove all
point is reached, the free-running rate of separation of the distorted, cold-worked, or heat-affected areas from the edges of
crossheads shall be adjusted so as not to exceed 1⁄16 in. per min the section used in evaluating the material. Specimens usually
per inch of reduced section, or the distance between the grips have a reduced cross section at mid-length to ensure uniform
for test specimens not having reduced sections. This speed distribution of the stress over the cross section and localize the
shall be maintained through the yield point or yield strength. In zone of fracture.
determining the tensile strength, the free-running rate of 9.4 Aging of Test Specimens—Unless otherwise specified, it
separation of the heads shall not exceed 1⁄2 in. per min per inch shall be permissible to age tension test specimens. The time-
of reduced section, or the distance between the grips for test temperature cycle employed must be such that the effects of
specimens not having reduced sections. In any event, the previous processing will not be materially changed. It may be
minimum speed of testing shall not be less than 1⁄10 the accomplished by aging at room temperature 24 h to 48 h, or in
specified maximum rates for determining yield point or yield shorter time at moderately elevated temperatures by boiling in
strength and tensile strength. water, heating in oil or in an oven.
8.4.2 It shall be permissible to set the speed of the testing 9.5 Measurement of Dimensions of Test Specimens:
machine by adjusting the free running crosshead speed to the 9.5.1 Standard Rectangular Tension Test Specimens—These
above specified values, inasmuch as the rate of separation of forms of specimens are shown in Fig. 3. To determine the
heads under load at these machine settings is less than the cross-sectional area, the center width dimension shall be
specified values of free running crosshead speed. measured to the nearest 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) for the 8-in.
8.4.3 As an alternative, if the machine is equipped with a (200 mm) gauge length specimen and 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) for
device to indicate the rate of loading, the speed of the machine the 2-in. (50 mm) gauge length specimen in Fig. 3. The center
from half the specified yield point or yield strength through the thickness dimension shall be measured to the nearest 0.001 in.
yield point or yield strength may be adjusted so that the rate of for both specimens.
stressing does not exceed 100 000 psi (690 MPa) ⁄min. 9.5.2 Standard Round Tension Test Specimens—These
However, the minimum rate of stressing shall not be less than forms of specimens are shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. To
10 000 psi (70 MPa)/min. determine the cross-sectional area, the diameter shall be

5
 A370 − 23

DIMENSIONS
Standard Specimens Subsize Specimen
Plate-type,
11⁄2-in. (40 mm) Wide
8-in. (200 mm) 2-in. (50 mm) Sheet-type, 1⁄2
⁄ -in. (6 mm) Wide
14
Gauge Length Gauge Length in. (12.5 mm) Wide
in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm
G—Gauge length 8.00 ± 0.01 200 ± 0.25 2.000 ± 0.005 50.0 ± 0.10 2.000 ± 0.005 50.0 ± 0.10 1.000 ± 0.003 25.0 ± 0.08
(Notes 1 and 2)
W—Width 11⁄2 + 1⁄8 40 + 3 11⁄2 + 1⁄8 40 + 3 0.500 ± 0.010 12.5 ± 0.25 0.250 ± 0.002 6.25 ± 0.05
(Notes 3, 5, and 6) −1⁄4 −6 − 1⁄4 −6
T—Thickness
Thickness of Material
(Note 7)
R—Radius of fillet, min ⁄
12 13 ⁄
12 13 ⁄
12 13 ⁄
14 6
(Note 4)
L—Overall length, min 18 450 8 200 8 200 4 100
(Notes 2 and 8)
A—Length of 9 225 21⁄4 60 21⁄4 60 11⁄4 32
reduced section, min
B—Length of grip section, min 3 75 2 50 2 50 11⁄4 32
(Note 9)
C—Width of grip section, approxi- 2 50 2 50 ⁄
34 20 ⁄
38 10
mate
(Note 4, Note 10, and Note 11)

NOTE 1—For the 11⁄2-in. (40 mm) wide specimens, punch marks for measuring elongation after fracture shall be made on the flat or on the edge of
the specimen and within the reduced section. For the 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length specimen, a set of nine or more punch marks 1 in. (25 mm) apart,
or one or more pairs of punch marks 8 in. (200 mm) apart may be used. For the 2-in. (50 mm) gauge length specimen, a set of three or more punch marks
1 in. (25 mm) apart, or one or more pairs of punch marks 2 in. (50 mm) apart may be used.
NOTE 2—For the 1⁄2-in. (12.5 mm) wide specimen, punch marks for measuring the elongation after fracture shall be made on the flat or on the edge
of the specimen and within the reduced section. Either a set of three or more punch marks 1 in. (25 mm) apart or one or more pairs of punch marks 2 in.
(50 mm) apart may be used.
NOTE 3—For the four sizes of specimens, the ends of the reduced section shall not differ in width by more than 0.004 in., 0.004 in., 0.002 in., or
0.001 in. (0.10 mm, 0.10 mm, 0.05 mm, or 0.025 mm), respectively. Also, there may be a gradual decrease in width from the ends to the center, but the
width at either end shall not be more than 0.015 in., 0.015 in., 0.005 in., or 0.003 in. (0.40 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.10 mm, or 0.08 mm), respectively, larger
than the width at the center.
NOTE 4—For each specimen type, the radii of all fillets shall be equal to each other with a tolerance of 0.05 in. (1.25 mm), and the centers of curvature
of the two fillets at a particular end shall be located across from each other (on a line perpendicular to the centerline) within a tolerance of 0.10 in.
(2.5 mm).
NOTE 5—For each of the four sizes of specimens, narrower widths (W and C) may be used when necessary. In such cases, the width of the reduced
section should be as large as the width of the material being tested permits; however, unless stated specifically, the requirements for elongation in a product
specification shall not apply when these narrower specimens are used. If the width of the material is less than W, the sides may be parallel throughout
the length of the specimen.
NOTE 6—The specimen may be modified by making the sides parallel throughout the length of the specimen, the width and tolerances being the same
as those specified above. When necessary, a narrower specimen may be used, in which case the width should be as great as the width of the material being
tested permits. If the width is 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) or less, the sides may be parallel throughout the length of the specimen.
NOTE 7—The dimension T is the thickness of the test specimen as provided for in the applicable product specification. Minimum nominal thickness
of 1 in. to 11⁄2-in. (40 mm) wide specimens shall be 3⁄16 in. (5 mm), except as permitted by the product specification. Maximum nominal thickness of 1⁄2-in.
(12.5 mm) and 1⁄4-in. (6 mm) wide specimens shall be 1 in. (25 mm) and 1⁄4 in. (6 mm), respectively.
NOTE 8—To aid in obtaining axial loading during testing of 1⁄4-in. (6 mm) wide specimens, the overall length should be as large as the material will
permit.
NOTE 9—It is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section large enough to allow the specimen to extend into the grips a distance equal
to two thirds or more of the length of the grips. If the thickness of 1⁄2-in. (13 mm) wide specimens is over 3⁄8 in. (10 mm), longer grips and correspondingly
longer grip sections of the specimen may be necessary to prevent failure in the grip section.
NOTE 10—For standard sheet-type specimens and subsize specimens, the ends of the specimen shall be symmetrical with the center line of the reduced
section within 0.01 in. and 0.005 in. (0.25 mm and 0.13 mm), respectively, except that for steel if the ends of the 1⁄2-in. (12.5 mm) wide specimen are
symmetrical within 0.05 in. (1.0 mm), a specimen may be considered satisfactory for all but referee testing.
NOTE 11—For standard plate-type specimens, the ends of the specimen shall be symmetrical with the center line of the reduced section within 0.25 in.
(6.35 mm), except for referee testing in which case the ends of the specimen shall be symmetrical with the center line of the reduced section within 0.10 in.
(2.5 mm).
FIG. 3 Rectangular Tension Test Specimens

6
 A370 − 23

DIMENSIONS
Standard Specimen Small-size Specimens Proportional to Standard
Nominal Diameter in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm
0.500 12.5 0.350 8.75 0.250 6.25 0.160 4.00 0.113 2.50
G—Gauge length 2.00± 50.0 ± 1.400± 35.0 ± 1.000± 25.0 ± 0.640± 16.0 ± 0.450± 10.0 ±
0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10
D—Diameter (Note 1) 0.500± 12.5± 0.350± 8.75 ± 0.250± 6.25 ± 0.160± 4.00 ± 0.113± 2.50 ±
0.010 0.25 0.007 0.18 0.005 0.12 0.003 0.08 0.002 0.05
R—Radius of fillet, min 3⁄8 10 1⁄4 6 3⁄16 5 5⁄32 4 3⁄32 2
A—Length of reduced section, min 2 ⁄4
1 60 13⁄4 45 1 ⁄4
1 32 3⁄4 20 5⁄8 16
(Note 2)

NOTE 1—The reduced section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center, with the ends not more than 1 % larger in diameter than the
center (controlling dimension).
NOTE 2—If desired, the length of the reduced section may be increased to accommodate an extensometer of any convenient gauge length. Reference
marks for the measurement of elongation should, nevertheless, be spaced at the indicated gauge length.
NOTE 3—The gauge length and fillets shall be as shown, but the ends may be of any form to fit the holders of the testing machine in such a way that
the load shall be axial (see Fig. 9). If the ends are to be held in wedge grips it is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section great enough
to allow the specimen to extend into the grips a distance equal to two thirds or more of the length of the grips.
NOTE 4—On the round specimens in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the gauge lengths are equal to four times the nominal diameter. In some product specifications
other specimens may be provided for, but unless the 4-to-1 ratio is maintained within dimensional tolerances, the elongation values may not be comparable
with those obtained from the standard test specimen.
NOTE 5—The use of specimens smaller than 0.250-in. (6.25 mm) diameter shall be restricted to cases when the material to be tested is of insufficient
size to obtain larger specimens or when all parties agree to their use for acceptance testing. Smaller specimens require suitable equipment and greater
skill in both machining and testing.
NOTE 6—Five sizes of specimens often used have diameters of approximately 0.505 in., 0.357 in., 0.252 in., 0.160 in., and 0.113 in., the reason being
to permit easy calculations of stress from loads, since the corresponding cross sectional areas are equal or close to 0.200 in.2, 0.100 in.2, 0.0500 in.2,
0.0200 in.2, and 0.0100 in.2, respectively. Thus, when the actual diameters agree with these values, the stresses (or strengths) may be computed using the
simple multiplying factors 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100, respectively. (The metric equivalents of these fixed diameters do not result in correspondingly
convenient cross sectional area and multiplying factors.)
FIG. 4 Standard 0.500-in. (12.5 mm) Round Tension Test Specimen With 2-in. (50 mm) Gauge Length and Examples of Small-size Speci-
mens Proportional to Standard Specimens

measured at the center of the gauge length to the nearest (200 mm) gauge length specimen of Fig. 3 may be used for sheet and strip
0.001 in. (0.025 mm) (see Table 1). material.

9.6 General—Test specimens shall be either substantially 11. Sheet-type Specimen

full size or machined, as prescribed in the product specifica- 11.1 The standard sheet-type test specimen is shown in Fig.
tions for the material being tested. 3. This specimen is used for testing metallic materials in the
9.6.1 It is desirable to have the cross-sectional area of the form of sheet, plate, flat wire, strip, band, and hoop ranging in
specimen smallest at the center of the gauge length to ensure nominal thickness from 0.005 in. to 1 in. (0.13 mm to 25 mm).
fracture within the gauge length. This is provided for by the When product specifications so permit, other types of speci-
taper in the gauge length permitted for each of the specimens mens may be used, as provided in Section 10 (see Note 4).
described in the following sections.
9.6.2 For brittle materials it is desirable to have fillets of 12. Round Specimens
large radius at the ends of the gauge length. 12.1 The standard 0.500-in. (12.5 mm) diameter round test
specimen shown in Fig. 4 is frequently used for testing metallic
10. Plate-type Specimens
materials.
10.1 The standard plate-type test specimens are shown in
12.2 Fig. 4 also shows small size specimens proportional to
Fig. 3. Such specimens are used for testing metallic materials
the standard specimen. These may be used when it is necessary
in the form of plate, structural and bar-size shapes, and flat
to test material from which the standard specimen or specimens
material having a nominal thickness of 3⁄16 in. (5 mm) or over.
shown in Fig. 3 cannot be prepared. Other sizes of small round
When product specifications so permit, other types of speci-
specimens may be used. In any such small size specimen it is
mens may be used.
important that the gauge length for measurement of elongation
NOTE 4—When called for in the product specification, the 8-in. be four times the diameter of the specimen (see Note 5, Fig. 4).

7
 A370 − 23

DIMENSIONS
Specimen 1 Specimen 2 Specimen 3 Specimen 4 Specimen 5
in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm
G—Gauge length 2.000± 50.0 ± 2.000± 50.0 ± 2.000± 50.0 ± 2.000± 50.0 ± 2.00± 50.0 ±
0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10 0.005 0.10
D—Diameter (Note 1) 0.500 ± 12.5± 0.500 ± 12.5± 0.500 ± 12.5± 0.500 ± 12.5± 0.500± 12.5 ±
0.010 0.25 0.010 0.25 0.010 0.25 0.010 0.25 0.010 0.25
R—Radius of fillet, min 3⁄8 10 3⁄8 10 1⁄16 2 3⁄8 10 3⁄8 10
A—Length of reduced 21⁄4, min 60, min 21⁄4 , min 60, min 4, ap- 100, ap- 21⁄4 , min 60, min 21⁄4 , min 60, min
section proxi- proxi-
mately mately
L—Overall length, approximate 5 125 51⁄2 140 51⁄2 140 43⁄4 120 91⁄2 240
B—Grip section 13⁄8 , ap- 35, ap- 1, ap- 25, ap- 3⁄4 , ap- 20, ap- ⁄ , ap-
12 13, ap- 3, min 75, min
(Note 2) proxi- proxi- proxi- proxi- proxi- proxi- proxi- proxi-
mately mately mately mately mately mately mately mately
C—Diameter of end section 3⁄4 20 3⁄4 20 23⁄32 18 7⁄8 22 ⁄
34 20
E—Length of shoulder and ... ... 5⁄8 16 ... ... 3⁄4 20 ⁄
58 16
fillet section, approximate
F—Diameter of shoulder ... ... ⁄
58 16 ... ... ⁄
58 16 ⁄
19 32 15

NOTE 1—The reduced section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center with the ends not more than 0.005 in. (0.10 mm) larger in
diameter than the center.
NOTE 2—On Specimen 5 it is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section great enough to allow the specimen to extend into the grips
a distance equal to two thirds or more of the length of the grips.
NOTE 3—The types of ends shown are applicable for the standard 0.500-in. round tension test specimen; similar types can be used for subsize
specimens. The use of UNF series of threads (3⁄4 by 16, 1⁄2 by 20, 3⁄8 by 24, and 1⁄4 by 28) is suggested for high-strength brittle materials to avoid fracture
in the thread portion.
FIG. 5 Suggested Types of Ends for Standard Round Tension Test Specimens

DIMENSIONS
Specimen 1 Specimen 2 Specimen 3
in. mm in. mm in. mm
G—Length of parallel Shall be equal to or greater than diameter D
D—Diameter 0.500 ± 0.010 12.5± 0.25 0.750 ± 0.015 20.0 ± 0.40 1.25 ± 0.025 30.0 ± 0.60
R—Radius of fillet, min 1 25 1 25 2 50
A—Length of reduced section, min 11⁄4 32 11⁄2 38 21⁄4 60
L—Over-all length, min 33⁄4 95 4 100 63⁄8 160
B—Grip section, approximate 1 25 1 25 13⁄4 45
C—Diameter of end section, approximate 3⁄4 20 11⁄8 30 17⁄8 48
E—Length of shoulder, min 1⁄4 6 1⁄4 6 5⁄16 8
F—Diameter of shoulder 5⁄8 ± 1⁄64 16.0 ± 0.40 15⁄16 ± 1⁄64 24.0 ± 0.40 17⁄16 ± 1⁄64 36.5 ± 0.40

NOTE 1—The reduced section and shoulders (dimensions A, D, E, F, G, and R) shall be shown, but the ends may be of any form to fit the holders of
the testing machine in such a way that the load shall be axial. Commonly the ends are threaded and have the dimensions B and C given above.
FIG. 6 Standard Tension Test Specimens for Cast Iron

8
 A370 − 23
TABLE 1 Multiplying Factors to Be Used for Various Diameters of Round Test Specimens
Standard Specimen Small Size Specimens Proportional to Standard
0.500 in. Round 0.350 in. Round 0.250 in. Round
Actual Actual Actual
Area, Multiplying Area, Multiplying Area, Multiplying
Diameter, Diameter, Diameter,
in.2 Factor in.2 Factor in.2 Factor
in. in. in.
0.490 0.1886 5.30 0.343 0.0924 10.82 0.245 0.0471 21.21
0.491 0.1893 5.28 0.344 0.0929 10.76 0.246 0.0475 21.04
0.492 0.1901 5.26 0.345 0.0935 10.70 0.247 0.0479 20.87
0.493 0.1909 5.24 0.346 0.0940 10.64 0.248 0.0483 20.70
0.494 0.1917 5.22 0.347 0.0946 10.57 0.249 0.0487 20.54
0.495 0.1924 5.20 0.348 0.0951 10.51 0.250 0.0491 20.37
0.496 0.1932 5.18 0.349 0.0957 10.45 0.251 0.0495 20.21
(0.05)A (20.0)A
0.497 0.1940 5.15 0.350 0.0962 10.39 0.252 0.0499 20.05
(0.05)A (20.0)A
0.498 0.1948 5.13 0.351 0.0968 10.33 0.253 0.0503 19.89
(0.05)A (20.0)A
0.499 0.1956 5.11 0.352 0.0973 10.28 0.254 0.0507 19.74
0.500 0.1963 5.09 0.353 0.0979 10.22 0.255 0.0511 19.58
0.501 0.1971 5.07 0.354 0.0984 10.16 ... ... ...
0.502 0.1979 5.05 0.355 0.0990 10.10 ... ... ...
0.503 0.1987 5.03 0.356 0.0995 10.05 ... ... ...
(0.1)A (10.0)A ... ... ...
0.504 0.1995 5.01 0.357 0.1001 9.99 ... ... ...
(0.2)A (5.0)A (0.1)A (10.0)A ... ... ...
0.505 0.2003 4.99 ... ... ... ... ... ...
(0.2)A (5.0)A
0.506 0.2011 4.97 ... ... ... ... ... ...
(0.2)A (5.0)A
0.507 0.2019 4.95 ... ... ... ... ... ...
0.508 0.2027 4.93 ... ... ... ... ... ...
0.509 0.2035 4.91 ... ... ... ... ... ...
0.510 0.2043 4.90 ... ... ... ... ... ...
A
The values in parentheses may be used for ease in calculation of stresses, in pounds per square inch, as permitted in Note 5 of Fig. 4.

12.3 The type of specimen ends outside of the gauge length set must be approximately centered in the reduced section.
shall accommodate the shape of the product tested, and shall These same precautions shall be observed when the test
properly fit the holders or grips of the testing machine so that specimen is full section.
axial loads are applied with a minimum of load eccentricity and
slippage. Fig. 5 shows specimens with various types of ends 14. Determination of Tensile Properties
that have given satisfactory results. 14.1 Yield Point—Yield point is the first stress in a material,
less than the maximum obtainable stress, at which an increase
13. Gauge Marks in strain occurs without an increase in stress. Yield point is
13.1 The specimens shown in Figs. 3-6 shall be gauge intended for application only for materials that may exhibit the
marked with a center punch, scribe marks, multiple device, or unique characteristic of showing an increase in strain without
drawn with ink. The purpose of these gauge marks is to an increase in stress. The stress-strain diagram is characterized
determine the percent elongation. Punch marks shall be light, by a sharp knee or discontinuity. Determine yield point by one
sharp, and accurately spaced. The localization of stress at the of the following methods:
marks makes a hard specimen susceptible to starting fracture at 14.1.1 Drop of Beam or Halt of Pointer Method—In this
the punch marks. The gauge marks for measuring elongation method, apply an increasing load to the specimen at a uniform
after fracture shall be made on the flat or on the edge of the flat rate. When a lever and poise machine is used, keep the beam in
tension test specimen and within the parallel section; for the balance by running out the poise at approximately a steady
8-in. gauge length specimen, Fig. 3, one or more sets of 8-in. rate. When the yield point of the material is reached, the
gauge marks may be used, intermediate marks within the gauge increase of the load will stop, but run the poise a trifle beyond
length being optional. Rectangular 2-in. gauge length the balance position, and the beam of the machine will drop for
specimens, Fig. 3, and round specimens, Fig. 4, are gauge a brief but appreciable interval of time. When a machine
marked with a double-pointed center punch or scribe marks. equipped with a load-indicating dial is used there is a halt or
One or more sets of gauge marks may be used; however, one hesitation of the load-indicating pointer corresponding to the

9
 A370 − 23
drop of the beam. Note the load at the “drop of the beam” or Yield strength ~ 0.2 % offset! 5 52 000 psi ~ 360 MPa! (1)
the “halt of the pointer” and record the corresponding stress as
When the offset is 0.2 % or larger, the extensometer used
the yield point.
shall qualify as a Class B2 device over a strain range of 0.05 %
14.1.2 Autographic Diagram Method—When a sharp-kneed
to 1.0 %. If a smaller offset is specified, it may be necessary to
stress-strain diagram is obtained by an autographic recording
specify a more accurate device (that is, a Class B1 device) or
device, take the stress corresponding to the top of the knee
reduce the lower limit of the strain range (for example, to
(Fig. 7), or the stress at which the curve drops as the yield
0.01 %) or both. See also Note 10 for automatic devices.
point.
14.1.3 Total Extension Under Load Method—When testing NOTE 9—For stress-strain diagrams not containing a distinct modulus,
material for yield point and the test specimens may not exhibit such as for some cold-worked materials, it is recommended that the
extension under load method be utilized. If the offset method is used for
a well-defined disproportionate deformation that characterizes materials without a distinct modulus, a modulus value appropriate for the
a yield point as measured by the drop of the beam, halt of the material being tested should be used: 30 000 000 psi (207 000 MPa) for
pointer, or autographic diagram methods described in 14.1.1 carbon steel; 29 000 000 psi (200 000 MPa) for ferritic stainless steel;
and 14.1.2, a value equivalent to the yield point in its practical 28 000 000 psi (193 000 MPa) for austenitic stainless steel. For special
significance may be determined by the following method and alloys, the producer should be contacted to discuss appropriate modulus
values.
may be recorded as yield point: Attach a Class C or better
extensometer (Notes 5 and 6) to the specimen. When the load 14.2.2 Extension Under Load Method—For tests to deter-
producing a specified extension (Note 7) is reached record the mine the acceptance or rejection of material whose stress-strain
stress corresponding to the load as the yield point (Fig. 8). characteristics are well known from previous tests of similar
material in which stress-strain diagrams were plotted, the total
NOTE 5—Automatic devices are available that determine the load at the
specified total extension without plotting a stress-strain curve. Such
strain corresponding to the stress at which the specified offset
devices may be used if their accuracy has been demonstrated. Multiplying (see Notes 10 and 11) occurs will be known within satisfactory
calipers and other such devices are acceptable for use provided their limits. The stress on the specimen, when this total strain is
accuracy has been demonstrated as equivalent to a Class C extensometer. reached, is the value of the yield strength. In recording values
NOTE 6—Reference should be made to Practice E83. of yield strength obtained by this method, the value of
NOTE 7—For steel with a yield point specified not over 80 000 psi “extension” specified or used, or both, shall be stated in
(550 MPa), an appropriate value is 0.005 in./in. of gauge length. For
values above 80 000 psi, this method is not valid unless the limiting total parentheses after the term yield strength, for example:
extension is increased. Yield strength ~ 0.5 % EUL! 5 52 000 psi ~ 360 MPa! (2)
NOTE 8—The shape of the initial portion of an autographically
determined stress-strain (or a load-elongation) curve may be influenced by The total strain can be obtained satisfactorily by use of a
numerous factors such as the seating of the specimen in the grips, the Class B1 extensometer (Note 5, Note 6, and Note 8).
straightening of a specimen bent due to residual stresses, and the rapid
loading permitted in 8.4.1. Generally, the aberrations in this portion of the NOTE 10—Automatic devices are available that determine offset yield
curve should be ignored when fitting a modulus line, such as that used to strength without plotting a stress-strain curve. Such devices may be used
determine the extension-under-load yield, to the curve. In practice, for a if their accuracy has been demonstrated.
number of reasons, the straight-line portion of the stress-strain curve may NOTE 11—The appropriate magnitude of the extension under load will
not go through the origin of the stress-strain diagram. In these cases it is obviously vary with the strength range of the particular steel under test. In
not the origin of the stress-strain diagram, but rather where the straight- general, the value of extension under load applicable to steel at any
line portion of the stress-strain curve, intersects the strain axis that is strength level may be determined from the sum of the proportional strain
pertinent. All offsets and extensions should be calculated from the and the plastic strain expected at the specified yield strength. The
intersection of the straight-line portion of the stress-strain curve with the following equation is used:
strain axis, and not necessarily from the origin of the stress-strain diagram.
See also Test Methods E8/E8M, Note 32. Extension under load, in./in. of gauge length 5 ~ YS/E ! 1r (3)
14.2 Yield Strength—Yield strength is the stress at which a where:
material exhibits a specified limiting deviation from the pro- YS = specified yield strength, psi or MPa,
portionality of stress to strain. The deviation is expressed in E = modulus of elasticity, psi or MPa, and
terms of strain, percent offset, total extension under load, and r = limiting plastic strain, in./in.
so forth. Determine yield strength by one of the following
14.3 Tensile Strength—Calculate the tensile strength by
methods:
dividing the maximum load the specimen sustains during a
14.2.1 Offset Method—To determine the yield strength by
tension test by the original cross-sectional area of the speci-
the “offset method,” it is necessary to secure data (autographic
men. If the upper yield strength is the maximum stress
or numerical) from which a stress-strain diagram with a distinct
recorded and if the stress-strain curve resembles that of Test
modulus characteristic of the material being tested may be
Methods E8/E8M–15a Fig. 25, the maximum stress after
drawn. Then on the stress-strain diagram (Fig. 9) lay off Om
discontinuous yielding shall be reported as the tensile strength
equal to the specified value of the offset, draw mn parallel to
unless otherwise stated by the purchaser.
OA, and thus locate r, the intersection of mn with the
stress-strain curve corresponding to load R, which is the 14.4 Elongation:
yield-strength load. In recording values of yield strength 14.4.1 Fit the ends of the fractured specimen together
obtained by this method, the value of offset specified or used, carefully and measure the distance between the gauge marks to
or both, shall be stated in parentheses after the term yield the nearest 0.01 in. (0.25 mm) for gauge lengths of 2 in. and
strength, for example: under, and to the nearest 0.5 % of the gauge length for gauge

10
 A370 − 23
lengths over 2 in. A percentage scale reading to 0.5 % of the as a percentage of the original area is the reduction of area.
gauge length may be used. The elongation is the increase in
length of the gauge length, expressed as a percentage of the
original gauge length. In recording elongation values, give both
the percentage increase and the original gauge length.
14.4.2 If any part of the fracture takes place outside of the
middle half of the gauge length or in a punched or scribed mark
within the reduced section, the elongation value obtained may
not be representative of the material. If the elongation so
measured meets the minimum requirements specified, no
further testing is indicated, but if the elongation is less than the
minimum requirements, discard the test and retest.
14.4.3 Automated tensile testing methods using extensom-
eters allow for the measurement of elongation in a method
described below. Elongation may be measured and reported
either this way, or as in the method described above, fitting the
broken ends together. Either result is valid.
14.4.4 Elongation at fracture is defined as the elongation
measured just prior to the sudden decrease in force associated
with fracture. For many ductile materials not exhibiting a
sudden decrease in force, the elongation at fracture can be
taken as the strain measured just prior to when the force falls FIG. 7 Stress-strain Diagram Showing Yield Point Corresponding
below 10 % of the maximum force encountered during the test. With Top of Knee
14.4.4.1 Elongation at fracture shall include elastic and
plastic elongation and may be determined with autographic or
automated methods using extensometers verified over the
strain range of interest. Use a class B2 or better extensometer
for materials having less than 5 % elongation; a class C or
better extensometer for materials having elongation greater
than or equal to 5 % but less than 50 %; and a class D or better
extensometer for materials having 50 % or greater elongation.
In all cases, the extensometer gauge length shall be the nominal
gauge length required for the specimen being tested. Due to the
lack of precision in fitting fractured ends together, the elonga-
tion after fracture using the manual methods of the preceding
paragraphs may differ from the elongation at fracture deter-
mined with extensometers.
14.4.4.2 Percent elongation at fracture may be calculated
directly from elongation at fracture data and be reported
instead of percent elongation as calculated in 14.4.1. However,
these two parameters are not interchangeable. Use of the
elongation at fracture method generally provides more repeat-
able results.
14.5 Reduction of Area—Fit the ends of the fractured
specimen together and measure the mean diameter or the width FIG. 8 Stress-strain Diagram Showing Yield Point or Yield
and thickness at the smallest cross section to the same accuracy Strength by Extension Under Load Method
as the original dimensions. The difference between the area
thus found and the area of the original cross section expressed

11
 A370 − 23
another or to approximate tensile strength. These conversion
hardness numbers have been obtained using fixed-location
hardness testing machines and computer-generated curves and
are presented to the nearest 0.1 point to permit accurate
reproduction of those curves. All converted hardness numbers
must be considered approximate. All converted Rockwell and
Vickers hardness numbers shall be rounded to the nearest
whole number.
16.2 Converted Hardness Numbers and Scales:
16.2.1 If the product specification permits alternative hard-
ness testing to determine conformance to a specified hardness
requirement, the conversions listed in Tables 2-5 shall be used.
16.2.2 When reporting converted hardness numbers and
scales from fixed-location hardness testing machine
measurements, the measured hardness and test scale shall be
indicated in parentheses, for example: 353 HBW (38 HRC).
This means that a hardness number of 38 was obtained using
the Rockwell C scale and converted to a Brinell hardness of
353.
16.2.3 When reporting converted hardness numbers from
portable hardness testing machine measurements, the measured
hardness and test scale shall be indicated in parentheses, as
shown in the examples in Table 6.
FIG. 9 Stress-strain Diagram for Determination of Yield Strength
by Offset Method
17. Brinell Hardness Fixed-Location Testing
BEND TEST 17.1 Description:
17.1.1 A specified load is applied to a flat surface of the
15. Description specimen to be tested, through a tungsten carbide ball of
15.1 The bend test is one method for evaluating ductility, specified diameter. The average diameter of the indentation is
but it cannot be considered as a quantitative means of predict- used as a basis for calculation of the Brinell hardness number.
ing service performance in all bending operations. The severity The quotient of the applied load divided by the area of the
of the bend test is primarily a function of the angle of bend of surface of the indentation, which is assumed to be spherical, is
the inside diameter to which the specimen is bent, and of the termed the Brinell hardness number (HBW) in accordance with
cross section of the specimen. These conditions are varied the following equation:
according to location and orientation of the test specimen and ~
HBW 5 P/ @ ~ πD/2 ! D 2 =D 2 2 d 2 !# (4)
the chemical composition, tensile properties, hardness, type,
and quality of the steel specified. Test Methods E190 and E290 where:
may be consulted for methods of performing the test. HBW = Brinell hardness number,
15.2 Unless otherwise specified, it shall be permissible to P = applied load, kgf,
age bend test specimens. The time-temperature cycle employed D = diameter of the tungsten carbide ball, mm, and
d = average diameter of the indentation, mm.
must be such that the effects of previous processing will not be
NOTE 12—The Brinell hardness number from a fixed-location testing
materially changed. It may be accomplished by aging at room machine is more conveniently secured from standard tables such as Table
temperature 24 h to 48 h, or in shorter time at moderately 7, which show numbers corresponding to the various indentation
elevated temperatures by boiling in water or by heating in oil diameters, usually in increments of 0.05 mm.
or in an oven. NOTE 13—In Test Method E10 the values are stated in SI units, whereas
in this section kg/m units are used.
15.3 Bend the test specimen at room temperature to an
inside diameter, as designated by the applicable product 17.1.2 The standard Brinell hardness fixed-location testing
specifications, to the extent specified. The speed of bending is machine using a 10 mm tungsten carbide ball employs a
ordinarily not an important factor. 3000 kgf load for hard materials and a 1500 kgf or 500 kgf load
for thin sections or soft materials (see Annex A2 on Steel
HARDNESS TEST METHODS Tubular Products). Other loads and different size indenters may
be used when specified. In recording hardness values, the
16. General diameter of the ball and the load must be stated except when a
16.1 A hardness test is a means of determining resistance to 10 mm ball and 3000 kgf load are used.
penetration and is occasionally employed to obtain a quick 17.1.3 A range of hardness can properly be specified only
approximation of tensile strength. Tables 2-5 are for the for quenched and tempered or normalized and tempered
conversion of hardness measurements from one scale to material. For annealed material a maximum figure only should

12
 A370 − 23
TABLE 2 Approximate Hardness Conversion Numbers for Nonaustenitic SteelsA (Rockwell C to Other Hardness Numbers)
Rockwell C Rockwell A Rockwell Superficial Hardness
Brinell Knoop
Scale, 150 kgf Vickers Scale, 60 kgf 15N Scale, 30N Scale 45N Scale, Approximate
Hardness Hardness,
Load, Hardness Load, 15 kgf Load, 30 kgf Load, 45 kgf Load, Tensile
3000 kgf Load, 500 gf Load
Diamond Number Diamond Diamond Diamond Diamond Strength, ksi
10 mm Ball and Over
Penetrator Penetrator Penetrator Penetrator Penetrator (MPa)
68 940 ... 920 85.6 93.2 84.4 75.4 ...
67 900 ... 895 85.0 92.9 83.6 74.2 ...
66 865 ... 870 84.5 92.5 82.8 73.3 ...
65 832 739 846 83.9 92.2 81.9 72.0 ...
64 800 722 822 83.4 91.8 81.1 71.0 ...
63 772 706 799 82.8 91.4 80.1 69.9 ...
62 746 688 776 82.3 91.1 79.3 68.8 ...
61 720 670 754 81.8 90.7 78.4 67.7 ...
60 697 654 732 81.2 90.2 77.5 66.6 ...
59 674 634 710 80.7 89.8 76.6 65.5 351 (2420)
58 653 615 690 80.1 89.3 75.7 64.3 338 (2330)
57 633 595 670 79.6 88.9 74.8 63.2 325 (2240)
56 613 577 650 79.0 88.3 73.9 62.0 313 (2160)
55 595 560 630 78.5 87.9 73.0 60.9 301 (2070)
54 577 543 612 78.0 87.4 72.0 59.8 292 (2010)
53 560 525 594 77.4 86.9 71.2 58.6 283 (1950)
52 544 512 576 76.8 86.4 70.2 57.4 273 (1880)
51 528 496 558 76.3 85.9 69.4 56.1 264 (1820)
50 513 482 542 75.9 85.5 68.5 55.0 255 (1760)
49 498 468 526 75.2 85.0 67.6 53.8 246 (1700)
48 484 455 510 74.7 84.5 66.7 52.5 238 (1640)
47 471 442 495 74.1 83.9 65.8 51.4 229 (1580)
46 458 432 480 73.6 83.5 64.8 50.3 221 (1520)
45 446 421 466 73.1 83.0 64.0 49.0 215 (1480)
44 434 409 452 72.5 82.5 63.1 47.8 208 (1430)
43 423 400 438 72.0 82.0 62.2 46.7 201 (1390)
42 412 390 426 71.5 81.5 61.3 45.5 194 (1340)
41 402 381 414 70.9 80.9 60.4 44.3 188 (1300)
40 392 371 402 70.4 80.4 59.5 43.1 182 (1250)
39 382 362 391 69.9 79.9 58.6 41.9 177 (1220)
38 372 353 380 69.4 79.4 57.7 40.8 171 (1180)
37 363 344 370 68.9 78.8 56.8 39.6 166 (1140)
36 354 336 360 68.4 78.3 55.9 38.4 161 (1110)
35 345 327 351 67.9 77.7 55.0 37.2 156 (1080)
34 336 319 342 67.4 77.2 54.2 36.1 152 (1050)
33 327 311 334 66.8 76.6 53.3 34.9 149 (1030)
32 318 301 326 66.3 76.1 52.1 33.7 146 (1010)
31 310 294 318 65.8 75.6 51.3 32.5 141 (970)
30 302 286 311 65.3 75.0 50.4 31.3 138 (950)
29 294 279 304 64.6 74.5 49.5 30.1 135 (930)
28 286 271 297 64.3 73.9 48.6 28.9 131 (900)
27 279 264 290 63.8 73.3 47.7 27.8 128 (880)
26 272 258 284 63.3 72.8 46.8 26.7 125 (860)
25 266 253 278 62.8 72.2 45.9 25.5 123 (850)
24 260 247 272 62.4 71.6 45.0 24.3 119 (820)
23 254 243 266 62.0 71.0 44.0 23.1 117 (810)
22 248 237 261 61.5 70.5 43.2 22.0 115 (790)
21 243 231 256 61.0 69.9 42.3 20.7 112 (770)
20 238 226 251 60.5 69.4 41.5 19.6 110 (760)

A
This table gives the approximate interrelationships of hardness numbers and approximate tensile strength of steels. It is possible that steels of various compositions and
processing histories will deviate in hardness-tensile strength relationship from the data presented in this table. The data in this table should not be used for austenitic
stainless steels, but have been shown to be applicable for ferritic and martensitic stainless steels. The data in this table should not be used to establish a relationship
between hardness numbers and tensile strength of hard drawn wire. The data in this table was developed using fixed-location hardness testing machines. Where more
precise conversions are required, they should be developed specially for each steel composition, heat treatment, and part. Caution should be exercised if conversions from
this table are used for the acceptance or rejection of product. The approximate interrelationships may affect acceptance or rejection.

be specified. For normalized material a minimum or a maxi- 17.2.1 Testing Machine—A Brinell hardness fixed-location
mum hardness may be specified by agreement. In general, no testing machine is acceptable for use over a loading range
hardness requirements should be applied to untreated material. within which its load measuring device is accurate to 61 %.
17.1.4 Brinell hardness may be required when tensile prop- 17.2.2 Measuring Microscope—The divisions of the mi-
erties are not specified. crometer scale of the microscope or other measuring devices
17.2 Apparatus—Equipment shall meet the following re- used for the measurement of the diameter of the indentations
quirements:

13
 A370 − 23
TABLE 3 Approximate Hardness Conversion Numbers for Nonaustenitic SteelsA (Rockwell B to Other Hardness Numbers)
Rockwell Superficial Hardness
Rockwell B 15T Scale, 30T Scale, 45T Scale,
Brinell Knoop Rockwell A Rockwell F Approximate
Scale, 100 kgf Vickers 15 kgf 30 kgf 45 kgf
Hardness, Hardness, Scale, 60 kgf Scale, 60 kgf Tensile
Load 1⁄16-in. Hardness Load, 1⁄16- Load, 1⁄16- Load, 1⁄16-
300 kgf Load, 500 gf Load & Load, Diamond Load, 1⁄16-in. Strength ksi
(1.588 mm) Number in. in. in.
10 mm Ball Over Penetrator (1.588 mm) Ball (MPa)
Ball (1.588 mm) (1.588 mm) (1.588 mm)
Ball Ball Ball
100 240 240 251 61.5 ... 93.1 83.1 72.9 116 (800)
99 234 234 246 60.9 ... 92.8 82.5 71.9 114 (785)
98 228 228 241 60.2 ... 92.5 81.8 70.9 109 (750)
97 222 222 236 59.5 ... 92.1 81.1 69.9 104 (715)
96 216 216 231 58.9 ... 91.8 80.4 68.9 102 (705)
95 210 210 226 58.3 ... 91.5 79.8 67.9 100 (690)
94 205 205 221 57.6 ... 91.2 79.1 66.9 98 (675)
93 200 200 216 57.0 ... 90.8 78.4 65.9 94 (650)
92 195 195 211 56.4 ... 90.5 77.8 64.8 92 (635)
91 190 190 206 55.8 ... 90.2 77.1 63.8 90 (620)
90 185 185 201 55.2 ... 89.9 76.4 62.8 89 (615)
89 180 180 196 54.6 ... 89.5 75.8 61.8 88 (605)
88 176 176 192 54.0 ... 89.2 75.1 60.8 86 (590)
87 172 172 188 53.4 ... 88.9 74.4 59.8 84 (580)
86 169 169 184 52.8 ... 88.6 73.8 58.8 83 (570)
85 165 165 180 52.3 ... 88.2 73.1 57.8 82 (565)
84 162 162 176 51.7 ... 87.9 72.4 56.8 81 (560)
83 159 159 173 51.1 ... 87.6 71.8 55.8 80 (550)
82 156 156 170 50.6 ... 87.3 71.1 54.8 77 (530)
81 153 153 167 50.0 ... 86.9 70.4 53.8 73 (505)
80 150 150 164 49.5 ... 86.6 69.7 52.8 72 (495)
79 147 147 161 48.9 ... 86.3 69.1 51.8 70 (485)
78 144 144 158 48.4 ... 86.0 68.4 50.8 69 (475)
77 141 141 155 47.9 ... 85.6 67.7 49.8 68 (470)
76 139 139 152 47.3 ... 85.3 67.1 48.8 67 (460)
75 137 137 150 46.8 99.6 85.0 66.4 47.8 66 (455)
74 135 135 147 46.3 99.1 84.7 65.7 46.8 65 (450)
73 132 132 145 45.8 98.5 84.3 65.1 45.8 64 (440)
72 130 130 143 45.3 98.0 84.0 64.4 44.8 63 (435)
71 127 127 141 44.8 97.4 83.7 63.7 43.8 62 (425)
70 125 125 139 44.3 96.8 83.4 63.1 42.8 61 (420)
69 123 123 137 43.8 96.2 83.0 62.4 41.8 60 (415)
68 121 121 135 43.3 95.6 82.7 61.7 40.8 59 (405)
67 119 119 133 42.8 95.1 82.4 61.0 39.8 58 (400)
66 117 117 131 42.3 94.5 82.1 60.4 38.7 57 (395)
65 116 116 129 41.8 93.9 81.8 59.7 37.7 56 (385)
64 114 114 127 41.4 93.4 81.4 59.0 36.7 ...
63 112 112 125 40.9 92.8 81.1 58.4 35.7 ...
62 110 110 124 40.4 92.2 80.8 57.7 34.7 ...
61 108 108 122 40.0 91.7 80.5 57.0 33.7 ...
60 107 107 120 39.5 91.1 80.1 56.4 32.7 ...
59 106 106 118 39.0 90.5 79.8 55.7 31.7 ...
58 104 104 117 38.6 90.0 79.5 55.0 30.7 ...
57 103 103 115 38.1 89.4 79.2 54.4 29.7 ...
56 101 101 114 37.7 88.8 78.8 53.7 28.7 ...
55 100 100 112 37.2 88.2 78.5 53.0 27.7 ...
54 ... ... 111 36.8 87.7 78.2 52.4 26.7 ...
53 ... ... 110 36.3 87.1 77.9 51.7 25.7 ...
52 ... ... 109 35.9 86.5 77.5 51.0 24.7 ...
51 ... ... 108 35.5 86.0 77.2 50.3 23.7 ...
50 ... ... 107 35.0 85.4 76.9 49.7 22.7 ...
49 ... ... 106 34.6 84.8 76.6 49.0 21.7 ...
48 ... ... 105 34.1 84.3 76.2 48.3 20.7 ...
47 ... ... 104 33.7 83.7 75.9 47.7 19.7 ...
46 ... ... 103 33.3 83.1 75.6 47.0 18.7 ...
45 ... ... 102 32.9 82.6 75.3 46.3 17.7 ...
44 ... ... 101 32.4 82.0 74.9 45.7 16.7 ...
43 ... ... 100 32.0 81.4 74.6 45.0 15.7 ...
42 ... ... 99 31.6 80.8 74.3 44.3 14.7 ...
41 ... ... 98 31.2 80.3 74.0 43.7 13.6 ...
40 ... ... 97 30.7 79.7 73.6 43.0 12.6 ...
39 ... ... 96 30.3 79.1 73.3 42.3 11.6 ...
38 ... ... 95 29.9 78.6 73.0 41.6 10.6 ...
37 ... ... 94 29.5 78.0 72.7 41.0 9.6 ...
36 ... ... 93 29.1 77.4 72.3 40.3 8.6 ...
35 ... ... 92 28.7 76.9 72.0 39.6 7.6 ...
34 ... ... 91 28.2 76.3 71.7 39.0 6.6 ...
33 ... ... 90 27.8 75.7 71.4 38.3 5.6 ...
32 ... ... 89 27.4 75.2 71.0 37.6 4.6 ...

14
 A370 − 23
TABLE 3 Continued
Rockwell Superficial Hardness
Rockwell B 15T Scale, 30T Scale, 45T Scale,
Brinell Knoop Rockwell A Rockwell F Approximate
Scale, 100 kgf Vickers 15 kgf 30 kgf 45 kgf
Hardness, Hardness, Scale, 60 kgf Scale, 60 kgf Tensile
Load 1⁄16-in. Hardness Load, 1⁄16- Load, 1⁄16- Load, 1⁄16-
300 kgf Load, 500 gf Load & Load, Diamond Load, 1⁄16-in. Strength ksi
(1.588 mm) Number in. in. in.
10 mm Ball Over Penetrator (1.588 mm) Ball (MPa)
Ball (1.588 mm) (1.588 mm) (1.588 mm)
Ball Ball Ball
31 ... ... 88 27.0 74.6 70.7 37.0 3.6 ...
30 ... ... 87 26.6 74.0 70.4 36.3 2.6 ...
A
This table gives the approximate interrelationships of hardness numbers and approximate tensile strength of steels. It is possible that steels of various compositions and
processing histories will deviate in hardness-tensile strength relationship from the data presented in this table. The data in this table should not be used for austenitic
stainless steels, but have been shown to be applicable for ferritic and martensitic stainless steels. The data in this table should not be used to establish a relationship
between hardness numbers and tensile strength of hard drawn wire. The data in this table was developed using fixed-location hardness testing machines. Where more
precise conversions are required, they should be developed specially for each steel composition, heat treatment, and part.

TABLE 4 Approximate Hardness Conversion Numbers for Austenitic Steels (Rockwell C to other Hardness Numbers)
Rockwell Superficial Hardness
Rockwell C Scale, 150 kgf Rockwell A Scale, 60 kgf
Load, Diamond Penetrator Load, Diamond Penetrator 15N Scale, 15 kgf Load, 30N Scale, 30 kgf Load, 45N Scale, 45 kgf Load,
Diamond Penetrator Diamond Penetrator Diamond Penetrator
48 74.4 84.1 66.2 52.1
47 73.9 83.6 65.3 50.9
46 73.4 83.1 64.5 49.8
45 72.9 82.6 63.6 48.7
44 72.4 82.1 62.7 47.5
43 71.9 81.6 61.8 46.4
42 71.4 81.0 61.0 45.2
41 70.9 80.5 60.1 44.1
40 70.4 80.0 59.2 43.0
39 69.9 79.5 58.4 41.8
38 69.3 79.0 57.5 40.7
37 68.8 78.5 56.6 39.6
36 68.3 78.0 55.7 38.4
35 67.8 77.5 54.9 37.3
34 67.3 77.0 54.0 36.1
33 66.8 76.5 53.1 35.0
32 66.3 75.9 52.3 33.9
31 65.8 75.4 51.4 32.7
30 65.3 74.9 50.5 31.6
29 64.8 74.4 49.6 30.4
28 64.3 73.9 48.8 29.3
27 63.8 73.4 47.9 28.2
26 63.3 72.9 47.0 27.0
25 62.8 72.4 46.2 25.9
24 62.3 71.9 45.3 24.8
23 61.8 71.3 44.4 23.6
22 61.3 70.8 43.5 22.5
21 60.8 70.3 42.7 21.3
20 60.3 69.8 41.8 20.2

shall be such as to permit the direct measurement of the 17.3 Test Specimen—Brinell hardness indentations are made
diameter to 0.1 mm and the estimation of the diameter to on prepared areas and sufficient metal must be removed from
0.05 mm. the surface to eliminate decarburized metal and other surface
NOTE 14—This requirement applies to the construction of the micro- irregularities. The thickness of the piece tested must be such
scope only and is not a requirement for measurement of the indentation, that no bulge or other marking showing the effect of the load
see 17.4.4. appears on the side of the piece opposite the indentation.
17.2.3 Standard Ball—The standard tungsten carbide ball 17.4 Test Procedure:
for Brinell hardness fixed-location testing machine is 10 mm
(0.3937 in.) in diameter with a deviation from this value of not 17.4.1 Detailed Test Procedure—For detailed requirements
more than 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.) in any diameter. A tungsten of the test procedure, reference shall be made to the latest
carbide ball suitable for use must not show a permanent change revision of Test Method E10 for fixed-location hardness testing
in diameter greater than 0.01 mm (0.0004 in.) when pressed machines.
with a force of 3000 kgf against the test specimen. Steel ball 17.4.2 It is essential that the applicable product specifica-
indenters are no longer permitted for use in Brinell hardness tions state clearly the position at which Brinell hardness
fixed-location testing machines in accordance with these test indentations are to be made and the number of such indenta-
methods. tions required. The distance of the center of the indentation

15
 A370 − 23
TABLE 5 Approximate Hardness Conversion Numbers for Austenitic Steels (Rockwell B to other Hardness Numbers)
Rockwell Superficial Hardness
Rockwell B
Brinell Hardness, Rockwell A Scale, 30T Scale, 45T Scale,
Scale, 100 kgf Load, Brinell Indentation 15T Scale,
1⁄16-
3000 kgf Load, 60 kgf Load, 30 kgf Load, 45 kgf Load,
Diameter, mm 15 kgf Load,
10 mm Ball Diamond Penetrator 1⁄16-in. (1.588 mm) 1⁄16-in. (1.588 mm) Ball
in. (1.588 mm) Ball 1⁄16-in. (1.588 mm) Ball
Ball
100 3.79 256 61.5 91.5 80.4 70.2
99 3.85 248 60.9 91.2 79.7 69.2
98 3.91 240 60.3 90.8 79.0 68.2
97 3.96 233 59.7 90.4 78.3 67.2
96 4.02 226 59.1 90.1 77.7 66.1
95 4.08 219 58.5 89.7 77.0 65.1
94 4.14 213 58.0 89.3 76.3 64.1
93 4.20 207 57.4 88.9 75.6 63.1
92 4.24 202 56.8 88.6 74.9 62.1
91 4.30 197 56.2 88.2 74.2 61.1
90 4.35 192 55.6 87.8 73.5 60.1
89 4.40 187 55.0 87.5 72.8 59.0
88 4.45 183 54.5 87.1 72.1 58.0
87 4.51 178 53.9 86.7 71.4 57.0
86 4.55 174 53.3 86.4 70.7 56.0
85 4.60 170 52.7 86.0 70.0 55.0
84 4.65 167 52.1 85.6 69.3 54.0
83 4.70 163 51.5 85.2 68.6 52.9
82 4.74 160 50.9 84.9 67.9 51.9
81 4.79 156 50.4 84.5 67.2 50.9
80 4.84 153 49.8 84.1 66.5 49.9

TABLE 6 Reporting Converted Hardness Numbers and Scales from Portable Hardness Tests
NOTE 1—Since the data in the hardness conversion tables in this standard were developed using fixed-location hardness testing machines, the use of
these tables to convert portable hardness testing numbers may have a larger approximation range than for converting fixed-location hardness testing
numbers.
Portable Hardness Test Method Portable Hardness Test Number and Converted Hardness Number and Reported Converted Hardness Num-
Scale Scale ber and Scale
A833 353 HBC/340 38 HRC 38 HRC (353 HBC/340)
A956/A956M 353 HB (HLD) 38 HRC 38 HRC (353 HB (HLD))
A1038 372 HV (UCI) 38 HRC 38 HRC (372 HV (UCI))
E110 353 HBW/P 38 HRC 38 HRC (353 HBW/P)

from the edge of the specimen or edge of another indentation 17.5.1.4 The only exception to the above requirement is for
must be at least two and one-half times the diameter of the the HBW 10/3000 scale when a 10 s to 15 s dwell time is used.
indentation. Only in the case of this one Brinell hardness scale may the
17.4.3 Apply the load for 10 s to 15 s. designation be reported simply as HBW.
17.4.4 Measure diameters of the indentation in accordance 17.5.1.5 Examples: 220 HBW = Brinell hardness of 220
with Test Method E10. determined with a ball of 10 mm diameter and with a test force
17.4.5 The Brinell hardness fixed-location testing machine of 3000 kgf applied for 10 s to 15 s; 350 HBW 5/1500 = Brinell
is not recommended for materials above 650 HBW. hardness of 350 determined with a ball of 5 mm diameter and
17.4.5.1 If a ball is used in a test of a specimen which shows with a test force of 1500 kgf applied for 10 s to 15 s.
a Brinell hardness number greater than the limit for the ball as
detailed in 17.4.5, the ball shall be either discarded and 18. Rockwell Fixed-Location Hardness Testing
replaced with a new ball or remeasured to ensure conformance 18.1 Description:
with the requirements of Test Method E10. 18.1.1 In this test a hardness number is obtained by deter-
17.5 Reporting Brinell Hardness Numbers: mining the depth of penetration of a diamond point or a
17.5.1 Brinell hardness numbers shall not be reported by a tungsten carbide ball into the specimen using a fixed-location
number alone because it is necessary to indicate which indenter hardness testing machine. A minor load of 10 kgf is first
and force has been employed in making the test. Reported applied which causes an initial penetration, sets the penetrator
Brinell hardness numbers shall always be followed by the scale on the material and holds it in position. A major load which
symbol HBW, and be supplemented by an index indicating the depends on the scale being used is applied increasing the depth
test conditions in the following order: of indentation. The major load is removed and, with the minor
17.5.1.1 Diameter of the ball, mm, load still acting, the Rockwell number, which is proportional to
17.5.1.2 A value representing the applied load, kgf, and, the difference in penetration between the major and minor
17.5.1.3 The applied force dwell time, s, if other than 10 s to loads is determined; this is usually done by the machine and
15 s. shows on a dial, digital display, printer, or other device. This is

16
 A370 − 23
TABLE 7 Brinell Hardness NumbersA
(Ball 10 mm in Diameter, Applied Loads of 500, 1500, and 3000 kgf)
Brinell Hardness Number Diameter Brinell Hardness Number Brinell Hardness Number Diameter Brinell Hardness Number
Diameter Diameter
500- 1500- 3000- of 500- 1500- 3000- 500- 1500- 3000- of 500- 1500- 3000-
of Indenta- of Indenta-
kgf kgf kgf Indenta- kgf kgf kgf kgf kgf kgf Indenta- kgf kgf kgf
tion, mm tion, mm
Load Load Load tion, mm Load Load Load Load Load Load tion, mm Load Load Load
2.00 158 473 945 3.25 58.6 176 352 4.50 29.8 89.3 179 5.75 17.5 52.5 105
2.01 156 468 936 3.26 58.3 175 350 4.51 29.6 88.8 178 5.76 17.4 52.3 105
2.02 154 463 926 3.27 57.9 174 347 4.52 29.5 88.4 177 5.77 17.4 52.1 104
2.03 153 459 917 3.28 57.5 173 345 4.53 29.3 88.0 176 5.78 17.3 51.9 104
2.04 151 454 908 3.29 57.2 172 343 4.54 29.2 87.6 175 5.79 17.2 51.7 103
2.05 150 450 899 3.30 56.8 170 341 4.55 29.1 87.2 174 5.80 17.2 51.5 103
2.06 148 445 890 3.31 56.5 169 339 4.56 28.9 86.8 174 5.81 17.1 51.3 103
2.07 147 441 882 3.32 56.1 168 337 4.57 28.8 86.4 173 5.82 17.0 51.1 102
2.08 146 437 873 3.33 55.8 167 335 4.58 28.7 86.0 172 5.83 17.0 50.9 102
2.09 144 432 865 3.34 55.4 166 333 4.59 28.5 85.6 171 5.84 16.9 50.7 101
2.10 143 428 856 3.35 55.1 165 331 4.60 28.4 85.4 170 5.85 16.8 50.5 101
2.11 141 424 848 3.36 54.8 164 329 4.61 28.3 84.8 170 5.86 16.8 50.3 101
2.12 140 420 840 3.37 54.4 163 326 4.62 28.1 84.4 169 5.87 16.7 50.2 100
2.13 139 416 832 3.38 54.1 162 325 4.63 28.0 84.0 168 5.88 16.7 50.0 99.9
2.14 137 412 824 3.39 53.8 161 323 4.64 27.9 83.6 167 5.89 16.6 49.8 99.5
2.15 136 408 817 3.40 53.4 160 321 4.65 27.8 83.3 167 5.90 16.5 49.6 99.2
2.16 135 404 809 3.41 53.1 159 319 4.66 27.6 82.9 166 5.91 16.5 49.4 98.8
2.17 134 401 802 3.42 52.8 158 317 4.67 27.5 82.5 165 5.92 16.4 49.2 98.4
2.18 132 397 794 3.43 52.5 157 315 4.68 27.4 82.1 164 5.93 16.3 49.0 98.0
2.19 131 393 787 3.44 52.2 156 313 4.69 27.3 81.8 164 5.94 16.3 48.8 97.7
2.20 130 390 780 3.45 51.8 156 311 4.70 27.1 81.4 163 5.95 16.2 48.7 97.3
2.21 129 386 772 3.46 51.5 155 309 4.71 27.0 81.0 162 5.96 16.2 48.5 96.9
2.22 128 383 765 3.47 51.2 154 307 4.72 26.9 80.7 161 5.97 16.1 48.3 96.6
2.23 126 379 758 3.48 50.9 153 306 4.73 26.8 80.3 161 5.98 16.0 48.1 96.2
2.24 125 376 752 3.49 50.6 152 304 4.74 26.6 79.9 160 5.99 16.0 47.9 95.9
2.25 124 372 745 3.50 50.3 151 302 4.75 26.5 79.6 159 6.00 15.9 47.7 95.5
2.26 123 369 738 3.51 50.0 150 300 4.76 26.4 79.2 158 6.01 15.9 47.6 95.1
2.27 122 366 732 3.52 49.7 149 298 4.77 26.3 78.9 158 6.02 15.8 47.4 94.8
2.28 121 363 725 3.53 49.4 148 297 4.78 26.2 78.5 157 6.03 15.7 47.2 94.4
2.29 120 359 719 3.54 49.2 147 295 4.79 26.1 78.2 156 6.04 15.7 47.0 94.1
2.30 119 356 712 3.55 48.9 147 293 4.80 25.9 77.8 156 6.05 15.6 46.8 93.7
2.31 118 353 706 3.56 48.6 146 292 4.81 25.8 77.5 155 6.06 15.6 46.7 93.4
2.32 117 350 700 3.57 48.3 145 290 4.82 25.7 77.1 154 6.07 15.5 46.5 93.0
2.33 116 347 694 3.58 48.0 144 288 4.83 25.6 76.8 154 6.08 15.4 46.3 92.7
2.34 115 344 688 3.59 47.7 143 286 4.84 25.5 76.4 153 6.09 15.4 46.2 92.3
2.35 114 341 682 3.60 47.5 142 285 4.85 25.4 76.1 152 6.10 15.3 46.0 92.0
2.36 113 338 676 3.61 47.2 142 283 4.86 25.3 75.8 152 6.11 15.3 45.8 91.7
2.37 112 335 670 3.62 46.9 141 282 4.87 25.1 75.4 151 6.12 15.2 45.7 91.3
2.38 111 332 665 3.63 46.7 140 280 4.88 25.0 75.1 150 6.13 15.2 45.5 91.0
2.39 110 330 659 3.64 46.4 139 278 4.89 24.9 74.8 150 6.14 15.1 45.3 90.6
2.40 109 327 653 3.65 46.1 138 277 4.90 24.8 74.4 149 6.15 15.1 45.2 90.3
2.41 108 324 648 3.66 45.9 138 275 4.91 24.7 74.1 148 6.16 15.0 45.0 90.0
2.42 107 322 643 3.67 45.6 137 274 4.92 24.6 73.8 148 6.17 14.9 44.8 89.6
2.43 106 319 637 3.68 45.4 136 272 4.93 24.5 73.5 147 6.18 14.9 44.7 89.3
2.44 105 316 632 3.69 45.1 135 271 4.94 24.4 73.2 146 6.19 14.8 44.5 89.0
2.45 104 313 627 3.70 44.9 135 269 4.95 24.3 72.8 146 6.20 14.7 44.3 88.7
2.46 104 311 621 3.71 44.6 134 268 4.96 24.2 72.5 145 6.21 14.7 44.2 88.3
2.47 103 308 616 3.72 44.4 133 266 4.97 24.1 72.2 144 6.22 14.7 44.0 88.0
2.48 102 306 611 3.73 44.1 132 265 4.98 24.0 71.9 144 6.23 14.6 43.8 87.7
2.49 101 303 606 3.74 43.9 132 263 4.99 23.9 71.6 143 6.24 14.6 43.7 87.4
2.50 100 301 601 3.75 43.6 131 262 5.00 23.8 71.3 143 6.25 14.5 43.5 87.1
2.51 99.4 298 597 3.76 43.4 130 260 5.01 23.7 71.0 142 6.26 14.5 43.4 86.7
2.52 98.6 296 592 3.77 43.1 129 259 5.02 23.6 70.7 141 6.27 14.4 43.2 86.4
2.53 97.8 294 587 3.78 42.9 129 257 5.03 23.5 70.4 141 6.28 14.4 43.1 86.1
2.54 97.1 291 582 3.79 42.7 128 256 5.04 23.4 70.1 140 6.29 14.3 42.9 85.8
2.55 96.3 289 578 3.80 42.4 127 255 5.05 23.3 69.8 140 6.30 14.2 42.7 85.5
2.56 95.5 287 573 3.81 42.2 127 253 5.06 23.2 69.5 139 6.31 14.2 42.6 85.2
2.57 94.8 284 569 3.82 42.0 126 252 5.07 23.1 69.2 138 6.32 14.1 42.4 84.9
2.58 94.0 282 564 3.83 41.7 125 250 5.08 23.0 68.9 138 6.33 14.1 42.3 84.6
2.59 93.3 280 560 3.84 41.5 125 249 5.09 22.9 68.6 137 6.34 14.0 42.1 84.3
2.60 92.6 278 555 3.85 41.3 124 248 5.10 22.8 68.3 137 6.35 14.0 42.0 84.0
2.61 91.8 276 551 3.86 41.1 123 246 5.11 22.7 68.0 136 6.36 13.9 41.8 83.7
2.62 91.1 273 547 3.87 40.9 123 245 5.12 22.6 67.7 135 6.37 13.9 41.7 83.4
2.63 90.4 271 543 3.88 40.6 122 244 5.13 22.5 67.4 135 6.38 13.8 41.5 83.1
2.64 89.7 269 538 3.89 40.4 121 242 5.14 22.4 67.1 134 6.39 13.8 41.4 82.8
2.65 89.0 267 534 3.90 40.2 121 241 5.15 22.3 66.9 134 6.40 13.7 41.2 82.5
2.66 88.4 265 530 3.91 40.0 120 240 5.16 22.2 66.6 133 6.41 13.7 41.1 82.2
2.67 87.7 263 526 3.92 39.8 119 239 5.17 22.1 66.3 133 6.42 13.6 40.9 81.9
2.68 87.0 261 522 3.93 39.6 119 237 5.18 22.0 66.0 132 6.43 13.6 40.8 81.6
2.69 86.4 259 518 3.94 39.4 118 236 5.19 21.9 65.8 132 6.44 13.5 40.6 81.3
2.70 85.7 257 514 3.95 39.1 117 235 5.20 21.8 65.5 131 6.45 13.5 40.5 81.0

17
 A370 − 23
TABLE 7 Continued
Brinell Hardness Number Diameter Brinell Hardness Number Brinell Hardness Number Diameter Brinell Hardness Number
Diameter Diameter
500- 1500- 3000- of 500- 1500- 3000- 500- 1500- 3000- of 500- 1500- 3000-
of Indenta- of Indenta-
kgf kgf kgf Indenta- kgf kgf kgf kgf kgf kgf Indenta- kgf kgf kgf
tion, mm tion, mm
Load Load Load tion, mm Load Load Load Load Load Load tion, mm Load Load Load
2.71 85.1 255 510 3.96 38.9 117 234 5.21 21.7 65.2 130 6.46 13.4 40.4 80.7
2.72 84.4 253 507 3.97 38.7 116 232 5.22 21.6 64.9 130 6.47 13.4 40.2 80.4
2.73 83.8 251 503 3.98 38.5 116 231 5.23 21.6 64.7 129 6.48 13.4 40.1 80.1
2.74 83.2 250 499 3.99 38.3 115 230 5.24 21.5 64.4 129 6.49 13.3 39.9 79.8
2.75 82.6 248 495 4.00 38.1 114 229 5.25 21.4 64.1 128 6.50 13.3 39.8 79.6
2.76 81.9 246 492 4.01 37.9 114 228 5.26 21.3 63.9 128 6.51 13.2 39.6 79.3
2.77 81.3 244 488 4.02 37.7 113 226 5.27 21.2 63.6 127 6.52 13.2 39.5 79.0
2.78 80.8 242 485 4.03 37.5 113 225 5.28 21.1 63.3 127 6.53 13.1 39.4 78.7
2.79 80.2 240 481 4.04 37.3 112 224 5.29 21.0 63.1 126 6.54 13.1 39.2 78.4
2.80 79.6 239 477 4.05 37.1 111 223 5.30 20.9 62.8 126 6.55 13.0 39.1 78.2
2.81 79.0 237 474 4.06 37.0 111 222 5.31 20.9 62.6 125 6.56 13.0 38.9 78.0
2.82 78.4 235 471 4.07 36.8 110 221 5.32 20.8 62.3 125 6.57 12.9 38.8 77.6
2.83 77.9 234 467 4.08 36.6 110 219 5.33 20.7 62.1 124 6.58 12.9 38.7 77.3
2.84 77.3 232 464 4.09 36.4 109 218 5.34 20.6 61.8 124 6.59 12.8 38.5 77.1
2.85 76.8 230 461 4.10 36.2 109 217 5.35 20.5 61.5 123 6.60 12.8 38.4 76.8
2.86 76.2 229 457 4.11 36.0 108 216 5.36 20.4 61.3 123 6.61 12.8 38.3 76.5
2.87 75.7 227 454 4.12 35.8 108 215 5.37 20.3 61.0 122 6.62 12.7 38.1 76.2
2.88 75.1 225 451 4.13 35.7 107 214 5.38 20.3 60.8 122 6.63 12.7 38.0 76.0
2.89 74.6 224 448 4.14 35.5 106 213 5.39 20.2 60.6 121 6.64 12.6 37.9 75.7
2.90 74.1 222 444 4.15 35.3 106 212 5.40 20.1 60.3 121 6.65 12.6 37.7 75.4
2.91 73.6 221 441 4.16 35.1 105 211 5.41 20.0 60.1 120 6.66 12.5 37.6 75.2
2.92 73.0 219 438 4.17 34.9 105 210 5.42 19.9 59.8 120 6.67 12.5 37.5 74.9
2.93 72.5 218 435 4.18 34.8 104 209 5.43 19.9 59.6 119 6.68 12.4 37.3 74.7
2.94 72.0 216 432 4.19 34.6 104 208 5.44 19.8 59.3 119 6.69 12.4 37.2 74.4
2.95 71.5 215 429 4.20 34.4 103 207 5.45 19.7 59.1 118 6.70 12.4 37.1 74.1
2.96 71.0 213 426 4.21 34.2 103 205 5.46 19.6 58.9 118 6.71 12.3 36.9 73.9
2.97 70.5 212 423 4.22 34.1 102 204 5.47 19.5 58.6 117 6.72 12.3 36.8 73.6
2.98 70.1 210 420 4.23 33.9 102 203 5.48 19.5 58.4 117 6.73 12.2 36.7 73.4
2.99 69.6 209 417 4.24 33.7 101 202 5.49 19.4 58.2 116 6.74 12.2 36.6 73.1
3.00 69.1 207 415 4.25 33.6 101 201 5.50 19.3 57.9 116 6.75 12.1 36.4 72.8
3.01 68.6 206 412 4.26 33.4 100 200 5.51 19.2 57.7 115 6.76 12.1 36.3 72.6
3.02 68.2 205 409 4.27 33.2 99.7 199 5.52 19.2 57.5 115 6.77 12.1 36.2 72.3
3.03 67.7 203 406 4.28 33.1 99.2 198 5.53 19.1 57.2 114 6.78 12.0 36.0 72.1
3.04 67.3 202 404 4.29 32.9 98.8 198 5.54 19.0 57.0 114 6.79 12.0 35.9 71.8
3.05 66.8 200 401 4.30 32.8 98.3 197 5.55 18.9 56.8 114 6.80 11.9 35.8 71.6
3.06 66.4 199 398 4.31 32.6 97.8 196 5.56 18.9 56.6 113 6.81 11.9 35.7 71.3
3.07 65.9 198 395 4.32 32.4 97.3 195 5.57 18.8 56.3 113 6.82 11.8 35.5 71.1
3.08 65.5 196 393 4.33 32.3 96.8 194 5.58 18.7 56.1 112 6.83 11.8 35.4 70.8
3.09 65.0 195 390 4.34 32.1 96.4 193 5.59 18.6 55.9 112 6.84 11.8 35.3 70.6
3.10 64.6 194 388 4.35 32.0 95.9 192 5.60 18.6 55.7 111 6.85 11.7 35.2 70.4
3.11 64.2 193 385 4.36 31.8 95.5 191 5.61 18.5 55.5 111 6.86 11.7 35.1 70.1
3.12 63.8 191 383 4.37 31.7 95.0 190 5.62 18.4 55.2 110 6.87 11.6 34.9 69.9
3.13 63.3 190 380 4.38 31.5 94.5 189 5.63 18.3 55.0 110 6.88 11.6 34.8 69.6
3.14 62.9 189 378 4.39 31.4 94.1 188 5.64 18.3 54.8 110 6.89 11.6 34.7 69.4
3.15 62.5 188 375 4.40 31.2 93.6 187 5.65 18.2 54.6 109 6.90 11.5 34.6 69.2
3.16 62.1 186 373 4.41 31.1 93.2 186 5.66 18.1 54.4 109 6.91 11.5 34.5 68.9
3.17 61.7 185 370 4.42 30.9 92.7 185 5.67 18.1 54.2 108 6.92 11.4 34.3 68.7
3.18 61.3 184 368 4.43 30.8 92.3 185 5.68 18.0 54.0 108 6.93 11.4 34.2 68.4
3.19 60.9 183 366 4.44 30.6 91.8 184 5.69 17.9 53.7 107 6.94 11.4 34.1 68.2
3.20 60.5 182 363 4.45 30.5 91.4 183 5.70 17.8 53.5 107 6.95 11.3 34.0 68.0
3.21 60.1 180 361 4.46 30.3 91.0 182 5.71 17.8 53.3 107 6.96 11.3 33.9 67.7
3.22 59.8 179 359 4.47 30.2 90.5 181 5.72 17.7 53.1 106 6.97 11.3 33.8 67.5
3.23 59.4 178 356 4.48 30.0 90.1 180 5.73 17.6 52.9 106 6.98 11.2 33.6 67.3
3.24 59.0 177 354 4.49 29.9 89.7 179 5.74 17.6 52.7 105 6.99 11.2 33.5 67.0
A
Prepared by the Engineering Mechanics Section, Institute for Standards Technology.

18
 A370 − 23
an arbitrary number which increases with increasing hardness. bar hardness to indicate that it was determined by a portable
The scales most frequently used are as follows: comparative hardness tester, as in the following example:
Scale Major Minor 19.1.2.1 232 HBC/240, where 232 is the hardness test result
Penetrator
Symbol Load, kgf Load, kgf using the portable comparative test method (HBC) and 240 is
B ⁄ -in. tungsten carbide ball
1 16 100 10
the Brinell hardness of the comparative test bar.
C Diamond brale 150 10 19.1.3 Test Method A956/A956M:
19.1.3.1 The measured hardness number shall be reported in
18.1.2 Rockwell superficial fixed-location hardness testing
accordance with the standard methods and appended with a
machines are used for the testing of very thin steel or thin
Leeb impact device in parenthesis to indicate that it was
surface layers. Loads of 15 kgf, 30 kgf, or 45 kgf are applied
determined by a portable hardness tester, as in the following
on a tungsten carbide (or a hardened steel) ball or diamond
example:
penetrator, to cover the same range of hardness values as for
(1) 350 HLD where 350 is the hardness test result using the
the heavier loads. Use of a hardened steel ball is permitted only
portable Leeb hardness test method with the HLD impact
for testing thin sheet tin mill products as found in Specifica-
device.
tions A623 and A623M using HR15T and HR30T scales with
19.1.3.2 When hardness values converted from the Leeb
a diamond spot anvil. (Testing of this product using a tungsten
number are reported, the portable instrument used shall be
carbide indenter may give significantly different results as
reported in parentheses, for example:
compared to historical test data obtained using a hardened steel
(1) 350 HB (HLD) where the original hardness test was
ball.) The superficial hardness scales are as follows:
performed using the portable Leeb hardness test method with
Scale Major Minor
Symbol Penetrator Load, kgf Load, kgf
the HLD impact device and converted to the Brinell hardness
value (HB).
15T ⁄ -in. tungsten carbide or steel ball
1 16 15 3 19.1.4 Test Method A1038—The measured hardness number
30T ⁄ -in. tungsten carbide or steel ball
1 16 30 3
45T 1⁄16-in. tungsten carbide ball 45 3 shall be reported in accordance with the standard methods and
15N Diamond brale 15 3 appended with UCI in parenthesis to indicate that it was
30N Diamond brale 30 3 determined by a portable hardness tester, as in the following
45N Diamond brale 45 3
example:
18.2 Reporting Rockwell Hardness Numbers: 19.1.4.1 446 HV (UCI) 10 where 446 is the hardness test
18.2.1 Rockwell hardness numbers shall not be reported by result using the portable UCI test method under a force of
a number alone because it is necessary to indicate which 10 kgf.
indenter and force has been employed in making the test. 19.1.5 Test Method E110—The measured hardness number
Reported Rockwell hardness numbers shall always be followed shall be reported in accordance with the standard methods and
by the scale symbol, for example: 96 HRBW, 40 HRC, 75 appended with a /P to indicate that it was determined by a
HR15N, 56 HR30TS, or 77 HR30TW. The suffix W indicates portable hardness testing machine and shall reference Test
use of a tungsten carbide ball. The suffix S indicates use of a Method E110, as follows:
hardened steel ball as permitted in 18.1.2. 19.1.5.1 Rockwell Hardness Examples:
(1) 40 HRC/P where 40 is the hardness test result using the
18.3 Test Blocks—Machines should be checked to make
Rockwell C portable test method.
certain they are in good order by means of standardized
(2) 72 HRBW/P where 72 is the hardness test result using
Rockwell test blocks.
the Rockwell B portable test method using a tungsten carbide
18.4 Detailed Test Procedure—For detailed requirements of ball indenter.
the test procedure, reference shall be made to the latest revision 19.1.5.2 Brinell Hardness Examples:
of Test Methods E18 for fixed-location hardness testing ma- (1) 220 HBW/P 10/3000 where 220 is the hardness test
chines. result using the Brinell portable test method with a ball of
10 mm diameter and with a test force of 3000 kgf (29.42 kN)
19. Portable Hardness Testing applied for 10 s to 15 s.
(2) 350 HBW/P 5/750 where 350 is the hardness test result
19.1 Although this standard generally prefers the use of
using the Brinell portable test method with a ball of 5 mm
Brinell or Rockwell fixed-location hardness testing machines,
diameter and with a test force of 750 kgf (7.355 kN) applied for
it is not always possible to perform the hardness test using such
10 s to 15 s.
equipment due to the part size, location, or other logistical
reasons. In this event, hardness testing using portable equip- CHARPY IMPACT TESTING
ment as described in Test Methods A833, A956/A956M,
A1038, and E110 shall be used with strict compliance for 20. Summary
reporting the test results in accordance with the selected 20.1 A Charpy V-notch impact test is a dynamic test in
standard (see examples below). which a notched specimen is struck and broken by a single
19.1.1 Reporting Portable Hardness Numbers: blow in a specially designed testing machine. The measured
19.1.2 Test Method A833—The measured hardness number test values may be the energy absorbed, the percentage shear
shall be reported in accordance with the standard methods and fracture, the lateral expansion opposite the notch, or a combi-
given the HBC designation followed by the comparative test nation thereof.

19
 A370 − 23
20.2 Testing temperatures other than room (ambient) tem- Methods E23). The linear velocity at the point of impact should
perature often are specified in product or general requirement be in the range of 16 ft ⁄s to 19 ft/s (4.9 m ⁄s to 5.8 m/s).
specifications (hereinafter referred to as the specification). NOTE 15—An investigation of striker radius effect is available.6
Although the testing temperature is sometimes related to the 22.2 Temperature Media:
expected service temperature, the two temperatures need not be 22.2.1 For testing at other than room temperature, it is
identical. necessary to condition the Charpy specimens in media at
controlled temperatures.
21. Significance and Use 22.2.2 Low temperature media usually are chilled fluids
21.1 Ductile Versus Brittle Behavior—Body-centered-cubic (such as water, ice plus water, dry ice plus organic solvents, or
or ferritic alloys exhibit a significant transition in behavior liquid nitrogen) or chilled gases.
when impact tested over a range of temperatures. At tempera- 22.2.3 Elevated temperature media are usually heated liq-
tures above transition, impact specimens fracture by a ductile uids such as mineral or silicone oils. Circulating air ovens may
(usually microvoid coalescence) mechanism, absorbing rela- be used.
tively large amounts of energy. At lower temperatures, they 22.3 Handling Equipment—Tongs, especially adapted to fit
fracture in a brittle (usually cleavage) manner absorbing the notch in the impact specimen, normally are used for
appreciably less energy. Within the transition range, the frac- removing the specimens from the medium and placing them on
ture will generally be a mixture of areas of ductile fracture and the anvil (refer to Test Methods E23). In cases where the
brittle fracture. machine fixture does not provide for automatic centering of the
21.2 The temperature range of the transition from one type test specimen, the tongs may be precision machined to provide
of behavior to the other varies according to the material being centering.
tested. This transition behavior may be defined in various ways
23. Sampling and Number of Specimens
for specification purposes.
21.2.1 The specification may require a minimum test result
for absorbed energy, fracture appearance, lateral expansion, or
a combination thereof, at a specified test temperature.
21.2.2 The specification may require the determination of
the transition temperature at which either the absorbed energy
or fracture appearance attains a specified level when testing is
performed over a range of temperatures. Alternatively the
specification may require the determination of the fracture
appearance transition temperature (FATTn) as the temperature
at which the required minimum percentage of shear fracture (n)
is obtained.
21.3 Further information on the significance of impact
testing appears in Annex A5.

22. Apparatus
22.1 Testing Machines:
22.1.1 A Charpy impact machine is one in which a notched
specimen is broken by a single blow of a freely swinging
pendulum. The pendulum is released from a fixed height. Since
the height to which the pendulum is raised prior to its swing, All dimensional tolerances shall be 60.05 mm (0.002 in.) unless otherwise
and the mass of the pendulum are known, the energy of the specified.
blow is predetermined. A means is provided to indicate the NOTE 1—A shall be parallel to B within 2:1000 and coplanar with B
energy absorbed in breaking the specimen. within 0.05 mm (0.002 in.).
22.1.2 The other principal feature of the machine is a fixture NOTE 2—C shall be parallel to D within 20:1000 and coplanar with D
within 0.125 mm (0.005 in.).
(see Fig. 10) designed to support a test specimen as a simple
NOTE 3—Finish on unmarked parts shall be 4 µm (125 µin.).
beam at a precise location. The fixture is arranged so that the NOTE 4—Tolerance for the striker corner radius shall be –0.05 mm
notched face of the specimen is vertical. The pendulum strikes (0.002 in.) ⁄+0.50 mm (0.020 in.)
the other vertical face directly opposite the notch. The dimen- FIG. 10 Charpy (Simple-beam) Impact Test
sions of the specimen supports and striking edge shall conform
to Fig. 10.
22.1.3 Charpy machines used for testing steel generally 23.1 Sampling:
have capacities in the 220 ft·lbf to 300 ft·lbf (300 J to 400 J)
energy range. Sometimes machines of lesser capacity are used; 6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
however, the capacity of the machine should be substantially in be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:A01-1001. Contact ASTM Customer
excess of the absorbed energy of the specimens (see Test Service at service@astm.org.

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 A370 − 23
23.1.1 Test location and orientation should be addressed by (1) Standard size specimens and subsize specimens may
the specifications. If not, for wrought products, the test location contain the original OD surface of the tubular product as shown
shall be the same as that for the tensile specimen and the in Fig. 12. All other dimensions shall comply with the
orientation shall be longitudinal with the notch perpendicular requirements of Fig. 11.
to the major surface of the product being tested.
NOTE 16—For materials with toughness levels in excess of about
23.1.2 Number of Specimens. 50 ft-lbs, specimens containing the original OD surface may yield values
23.1.2.1 All specimens used for a Charpy impact test shall in excess of those resulting from the use of conventional Charpy
be taken from a single test coupon or test location. specimens.
23.1.2.2 When the specification calls for a minimum aver- 23.2.2.3 If a standard full-size specimen cannot be prepared,
age test result, three specimens shall be tested. the largest feasible standard subsize specimen shall be pre-
23.1.2.3 When the specification requires determination of a pared. The specimens shall be machined so that the specimen
transition temperature, eight to twelve specimens are usually does not include material nearer to the surface than 0.020 in.
needed. (0.5 mm).
23.2 Type and Size: 23.2.2.4 Tolerances for standard subsize specimens are
23.2.1 Use a standard full size Charpy V-notch specimen as shown in Fig. 11. Standard subsize test specimen sizes are:
shown in Fig. 11, except as allowed in 23.2.2. 10 mm by 7.5 mm, 10 mm by 6.7 mm, 10 mm by 5 mm,
23.2.2 Subsized Specimens. 10 mm by 3.3 mm, and 10 mm by 2.5 mm.
23.2.2.1 For flat material less than 7⁄16 in. (11 mm) thick, or 23.2.2.5 Notch the narrow face of the standard subsize
when the absorbed energy is expected to exceed 80 % of full specimens so that the notch is perpendicular to the 10 mm wide
scale, use standard subsize test specimens. face.
23.2.2.2 For tubular materials tested in the transverse 23.3 Notch Preparation—The machining (for example,
direction, where the relationship between diameter and wall milling, broaching, or grinding) of the notch is critical, as
thickness does not permit a standard full size specimen, use minor deviations in both notch radius and profile, or tool marks
standard subsize test specimens or standard size specimens at the bottom of the notch may result in variations in test data,
containing outer diameter (OD) curvature as follows: particularly in materials with low-impact energy absorption.
(see Annex A5).

24. Calibration
24.1 Accuracy and Sensitivity—Calibrate and adjust Charpy
impact machines in accordance with the requirements of Test
Methods E23.

25. Conditioning—Temperature Control

NOTE 1—Permissible variations shall be as follows:
25.1 When a specific test temperature is required by the
Notch length to edge 90 ± 2°
Adjacent sides shall be at 90° ± 10 min
specification or purchaser, control the temperature of the
Cross-section dimensions ±0.075 mm (±0.003 in.) heating or cooling medium within 62 °F (1 °C).
Length of specimen (L) + 0, − 2.5 mm ( + 0, − 0.100 in.)
Centering of notch (L/2) ±1 mm (±0.039 in.) NOTE 17—For some steels there may not be a need for this restricted
Angle of notch ±1° temperature, for example, austenitic steels.
Radius of notch ±0.025 mm (±0.001 in.) NOTE 18—Because the temperature of a testing laboratory often varies
Notch depth ±0.025 mm (±0.001 in.) from 60 °F to 90 °F (15 °C to 32 °C) a test conducted at “room
Finish requirements 2 µm (63 µin.) on notched surface and temperature” might be conducted at any temperature in this range.
opposite face; 4 µm (125 µin.) on other
two surfaces
(a) Standard Full Size Specimen 26. Procedure
26.1 Temperature:
26.1.1 Condition the specimens to be broken by holding
them in the medium at test temperature for at least 5 min in
liquid media and 30 min in gaseous media.
26.1.2 Prior to each test, maintain the tongs for handling test
specimens at the same temperature as the specimen so as not to
affect the temperature at the notch.
26.2 Positioning and Breaking Specimens:
NOTE 2—On subsize specimens, all dimensions and tolerances of the 26.2.1 Carefully center the test specimen in the anvil and
standard specimen remain constant with the exception of the width, which release the pendulum to break the specimen.
varies as shown above and for which the tolerance shall be 61 %.
26.2.2 If the pendulum is not released within 5 s after
(b) Standard Subsize Specimens removing the specimen from the conditioning medium, do not
break the specimen. Return the specimen to the conditioning
FIG. 11 Charpy (Simple Beam) Impact Test Specimens medium for the period required in 26.1.1.

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 A370 − 23

FIG. 12 Tubular Impact Specimen Containing Original OD Surface

26.3 Recovering Specimens—In the event that fracture ap- 26.4.3.2 Examine each specimen half to ascertain that the
pearance or lateral expansion must be determined, recover the protrusions have not been damaged by contacting the anvil,
matched pieces of each broken specimen before breaking the machine mounting surface, and so forth. Discard such samples
next specimen. since they may cause erroneous readings.
26.4 Individual Test Values: 26.4.3.3 Check the sides of the specimens perpendicular to
26.4.1 Impact Energy—Record the impact energy absorbed the notch to ensure that no burrs were formed on the sides
to the nearest ft·lbf (J). during impact testing. If burrs exist, remove them carefully by
26.4.2 Fracture Appearance: rubbing on emery cloth or similar abrasive surface, making
26.4.2.1 Determine the percentage of shear fracture area by sure that the protrusions being measured are not rubbed during
any of the following methods: the removal of the burr.
(1) Measure the length and width of the brittle portion of 26.4.3.4 Measure the amount of expansion on each side of
the fracture surface, as shown in Fig. 13 and determine the each half relative to the plane defined by the undeformed
percent shear area from either Table 8 or Table 9 depending on portion of the side of the specimen using a gauge similar to that
the units of measurement. shown in Figs. 16 and 17.
(2) Compare the appearance of the fracture of the specimen 26.4.3.5 Since the fracture path seldom bisects the point of
with a fracture appearance chart as shown in Fig. 14. maximum expansion on both sides of a specimen, the sum of
(3) Magnify the fracture surface and compare it to a the larger values measured for each side is the value of the test.
precalibrated overlay chart or measure the percent shear Arrange the halves of one specimen so that compression sides
fracture area by means of a planimeter. are facing each other. Using the gauge, measure the protrusion
(4) Photograph the fractured surface at a suitable magnifi- on each half specimen, ensuring that the same side of the
cation and measure the percent shear fracture area by means of specimen is measured. Measure the two broken halves indi-
a planimeter. vidually. Repeat the procedure to measure the protrusions on
26.4.2.2 Determine the individual fracture appearance val- the opposite side of the specimen halves. The larger of the two
ues to the nearest 5 % shear fracture and record the value. values for each side is the expansion of that side of the
26.4.3 Lateral Expansion: specimen.
26.4.3.1 Lateral expansion is the increase in specimen 26.4.3.6 Measure the individual lateral expansion values to
width, measured in thousandths of an inch (mils), on the the nearest mil (0.025 mm) and record the values.
compression side, opposite the notch of the fractured Charpy 26.4.3.7 With the exception described as follows, any speci-
V-notch specimen as shown in Fig. 15. men that does not separate into two pieces when struck by a

NOTE 1—Measure average dimensions A and B to the nearest 0.02 in. or 0.5 mm.
NOTE 2—Determine the percent shear fracture using Table 8 or Table 9.
FIG. 13 Determination of Percent Shear Fracture

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 A370 − 23
TABLE 8 Percent Shear for Measurements Made in Inches
NOTE 1—Since this table is set up for finite measurements or dimensions A and B, 100 % shear is to be reported when either A or B is zero.
Dimen- Dimension A, in.
sion
B, in. 0.05 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20 0.22 0.24 0.26 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.34 0.36 0.38 0.40
0.05 98 96 95 94 94 93 92 91 90 90 89 88 87 86 85 85 84
0.10 96 92 90 89 87 85 84 82 81 79 77 76 74 73 71 69 68
0.12 95 90 88 86 85 83 81 79 77 75 73 71 69 67 65 63 61
0.14 94 89 86 84 82 80 77 75 73 71 68 66 64 62 59 57 55
0.16 94 87 85 82 79 77 74 72 69 67 64 61 59 56 53 51 48
0.18 93 85 83 80 77 74 72 68 65 62 59 56 54 51 48 45 42
0.20 92 84 81 77 74 72 68 65 61 58 55 52 48 45 42 39 36
0.22 91 82 79 75 72 68 65 61 57 54 50 47 43 40 36 33 29
0.24 90 81 77 73 69 65 61 57 54 50 46 42 38 34 30 27 23
0.26 90 79 75 71 67 62 58 54 50 46 41 37 33 29 25 20 16
0.28 89 77 73 68 64 59 55 50 46 41 37 32 28 23 18 14 10
0.30 88 76 71 66 61 56 52 47 42 37 32 27 23 18 13 9 3
0.31 88 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 18 10 5 0

TABLE 9 Percent Shear for Measurements Made in Millimetres

NOTE 1—Since this table is set up for finite measurements or dimensions A and B, 100 % shear is to be reported when either A or B is zero.
Dimen- Dimension A, mm
sion
B, mm 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10
1.0 99 98 98 97 96 96 95 94 94 93 92 92 91 91 90 89 89 88 88
1.5 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 92 91 90 89 88 87 86 85 84 83 82 81
2.0 98 96 95 94 92 91 90 89 88 86 85 84 82 81 80 79 77 76 75
2.5 97 95 94 92 91 89 88 86 84 83 81 80 78 77 75 73 72 70 69
3.0 96 94 92 91 89 87 85 83 81 79 77 76 74 72 70 68 66 64 62
3.5 96 93 91 89 87 85 82 80 78 76 74 72 69 67 65 63 61 58 56
4.0 95 92 90 88 85 82 80 77 75 72 70 67 65 62 60 57 55 52 50
4.5 94 92 89 86 83 80 77 75 72 69 66 63 61 58 55 52 49 46 44
5.0 94 91 88 85 81 78 75 72 69 66 62 59 56 53 50 47 44 41 37
5.5 93 90 86 83 79 76 72 69 66 62 59 55 52 48 45 42 38 35 31
6.0 92 89 85 81 77 74 70 66 62 59 55 51 47 44 40 36 33 29 25
6.5 92 88 84 80 76 72 67 63 59 55 51 47 43 39 35 31 27 23 19
7.0 91 87 82 78 74 69 65 61 56 52 47 43 39 34 30 26 21 17 12
7.5 91 86 81 77 72 67 62 58 53 48 44 39 34 30 25 20 16 11 6
8.0 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

FIG. 14 Fracture Appearance Charts and Percent Shear Fracture Comparator

single blow shall be reported as unbroken. The lateral expan- specimen can be separated by pushing the hinged halves
sion of an unbroken specimen can be reported as broken if the together once and then pulling them apart without further

23
 A370 − 23

FIG. 15 Halves of Broken Charpy V-notch Impact Specimen Joined for Measurement of Lateral Expansion, Dimension A

FIG. 16 Lateral Expansion Gauge for Charpy Impact Specimens

24
 A370 − 23

FIG. 17 Assembly and Details for Lateral Expansion Gauge

fatiguing the specimen, and the lateral expansion measured for specimens shall be equal to or greater than the specified
the unbroken specimen (prior to bending) is equal to or greater minimum average value.
than that measured for the separated halves. In the case where
27.2 Test Specifying a Minimum Transition Temperature:
a specimen cannot be separated into two halves, the lateral
27.2.1 Determination of Transition Temperature:
expansion can be measured as long as the shear lips can be
accessed without interference from the hinged ligament that 27.2.1.1 Break one specimen at each of a series of tempera-
has been deformed during testing. tures above and below the anticipated transition temperature
using the procedures in Section 26. Record each test tempera-
27. Interpretation of Test Result ture to the nearest 1 °F (0.5 °C).
27.1 When the acceptance criterion of any impact test is 27.2.1.2 Plot the individual test results (ft·lbf or percent
specified to be a minimum average value at a given shear) as the ordinate versus the corresponding test temperature
temperature, the test result shall be the average (arithmetic as the abscissa and construct a best-fit curve through the plotted
mean rounded to the nearest ft-lbf (J)) of the individual test data points.
values of three specimens from one test location. 27.2.1.3 If transition temperature is specified as the tem-
27.1.1 When a minimum average test result is specified: perature at which a test value is achieved, determine the
27.1.1.1 The test result is acceptable when all of the below temperature at which the plotted curve intersects the specified
are met: test value by graphical interpolation (extrapolation is not
(1) The test result equals or exceeds the specified minimum permitted). Record this transition temperature to the nearest
average (given in the specification), 5 °F (3 °C). If the tabulated test results clearly indicate a
(2) The individual test value for not more than one speci- transition temperature lower than specified, it is not necessary
men measures less than the specified minimum average, and to plot the data. Report the lowest test temperature for which
(3) The individual test value for any specimen measures test value exceeds the specified value.
not less than two-thirds of the specified minimum average. 27.2.1.4 Accept the test result if the determined transition
27.1.1.2 If the acceptance requirements of 27.1.1.1 are not temperature is equal to or lower than the specified value.
met, perform one retest of three additional specimens from the 27.2.1.5 If the determined transition temperature is higher
same test location. Each individual test value of the retested than the specified value, but not more than 20 °F (12 °C) higher

25
 A370 − 23
than the specified value, test sufficient samples in accordance 28.1.6 Transition temperature and criterion for its
with Section 26 to plot two additional curves. Accept the test determination, including initial tests and retests.
results if the temperatures determined from both additional
tests are equal to or lower than the specified value. 29. Report
27.3 When subsize specimens are permitted or necessary, or 29.1 The specification should designate the information to
both, modify the specified test requirement according to Table be reported.

TABLE 10 Charpy V-notch Test Acceptance Criteria for Various Sub-size SpecimensA,B,C
Full Size, 3⁄4 Size, 2⁄3 Size, 1⁄2 Size, 1⁄3 Size, 1⁄4 Size,

10 by 10 mm 10 by 7.5 mm 10 by 6.7 mm 10 by 5 mm 10 by 3.3 mm 10 by 2.5 mm

ft·lbf [J] ft·lbf [J] ft·lbf [J] ft·lbf [J] ft·lbf [J] ft·lbf [J]
75 [102] 56 [76] 50 [68] 38 [52] 25 [34] 19 [26]
70 [95] 53 [72] 47 [64] 35 [48] 23 [31] 18 [24]
65 [88] 49 [67] 44 [60] 33 [45] 21 [29] 16 [22]
60 [82] 45 [61] 40 [54] 30 [41] 20 [27] 15 [20]
55 [75] 41 [56] 37 [50] 28 [38] 18 [24] 14 [19]
50 [68] 38 [52] 34 [46] 25 [34] 17 [23] 13 [18]
45 [61] 34 [46] 30 [41] 23 [31] 15 [20] 11 [15]

40 [54] 30 [41] 27 [37] 20 [27] 13 [18] 10 [14]

35 [48] 26 [35] 23 [31] 18 [24] 12 [16] 9 [12]
30 [41] 22 [30] 20 [27] 15 [20] 10 [14] 8 [11]
25 [34] 19 [26] 17 [23] 12 [16] 8 [11] 6 [8]
20 [27] 15 [20] 13 [18] 10 [14] 7 [10] 5 [7]
16 [22] 12 [16] 11 [15] 8 [11] 5 [7] 4 [5]
15 [20] 11 [15] 10 [14] 8 [11] 5 [7] 4 [5]
13 [18] 10 [14] 9 [12] 6 [8] 4 [5] 3 [4]
12 [16] 9 [12] 8 [11] 6 [8] 4 [5] 3 [4]
10 [14] 8 [11] 7 [10] 5 [7] 3 [4] 2 [3]
7 [10] 5 [7] 5 [7] 4 [5] 2 [3] 2 [3]
A
Care must be taken when using Table 9 for the conversion of subsize specimen absorbed energy results to those values that may be expected from full size Charpy
specimens. The use of conversion values should only be applied when both specimens types (full-size and sub-size) are in the same fracture regime (in other words. a
lower shelf, transition, or upper shelf) at the test temperature for the material under investigation. In particular test specimens <5 mm can exhibit variable absorbed energy
values (NIST Technical Note 1858). (1)
B
Limit based upon presentation by Kim Wallin, VTT, “Sub-sized CVN Specimen Conversion Methodology 4, Slide #10,” which shows a common relationship for sub-sized
specimens up to 75 ft·lbf (102J). (2)
C
Analysis of Data from NIST Note 1858 by J. A. Griffin, UAB, ASTM A01.13 Task Group meeting, San Antonio, TX 5.4.16. (1)

10 or test temperature according to ASME Boiler and Pressure IZOD IMPACT TEST
Vessel Code, Table UG-84.2, or both. Greater energies or lower
test temperatures may be agreed upon by purchaser and 30. Procedure
supplier. 30.1 Testing equipment and methods are given in Test
Methods E23.
28. Records
31. Precision and Bias
28.1 The test record should contain the following informa- 31.1 The precision and bias of these test methods for
tion as appropriate: measuring mechanical properties are essentially as specified in
28.1.1 Full description of material tested (that is, specifica- Test Methods E8/E8M, A833, A956/A956M, A1038, and E23.
tion number, grade, class or type, size, heat number).
28.1.2 Specimen orientation with respect to the material 32. Keywords
axis. 32.1 bend test; Brinell hardness; Charpy impact test; elon-
28.1.3 Specimen size. gation; FATT (Fracture Appearance Transition Temperature);
28.1.4 Test temperature and individual test value for each hardness test; Izod impact test; portable hardness; reduction of
specimen broken, including initial tests and retests. area; Rockwell hardness; tensile strength; tension test; yield
28.1.5 Test results. strength

26
 A370 − 23
ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. STEEL BAR PRODUCTS

A1.1 Scope tion for sizes of rounds, squares, hexagons, and octagons under
1⁄2 in. (13 mm) in diameter or distance between parallel faces
A1.1.1 This annex contains testing requirements for Steel
Bar Products that are specific to the product. The requirements nor for other bar-size sections, other than flats, less than 1 in.2
contained in this annex are supplementary to those found in the (645 mm2) in cross-sectional area.
general section of this specification. In the case of conflict A1.3.2 Alloy Steel Bars—Alloy steel bars are usually not
between requirements provided in this annex and those found tested in the as-rolled condition.
in the general section of this specification, the requirements of
this annex shall prevail. In the case of conflict between A1.3.3 When tension tests are specified, the practice for
requirements provided in this annex and requirements found in selecting test specimens for hot-rolled and cold-finished steel
product specifications, the requirements found in the product bars of various sizes shall be in accordance with Table A1.1,
specification shall prevail. unless otherwise specified in the product specification.
A1.2 Orientation of Test Specimens A1.4 Bend Test
A1.2.1 Carbon and alloy steel bars and bar-size shapes, due A1.4.1 When bend tests are specified, the recommended
to their relatively small cross-sectional dimensions, are cus-
practice for hot-rolled and cold-finished steel bars shall be in
tomarily tested in the longitudinal direction. In special cases
accordance with Table A1.2.
where size permits and the fabrication or service of a part
justifies testing in a transverse direction, the selection and A1.5 Hardness Test
location of test or tests are a matter of agreement between the
manufacturer and the purchaser. A1.5.1 Hardness Tests on Bar Products (flats, rounds,
squares, hexagons, and octagons) are conducted on the surface
A1.3 Tension Test after a minimum removal of 0.015 in. to provide for accurate
A1.3.1 Carbon Steel Bars—Carbon steel bars are not com- hardness penetration.
monly specified to tensile requirements in the as-rolled condi-

27
 A370 − 23
TABLE A1.1 Practices for Selecting Tension Test Specimens for Steel Bar Products
NOTE 1—For bar sections where it is difficult to determine the cross-sectional area by simple measurement, the area in square inches may be calculated
by dividing the weight per linear inch of specimen in pounds by 0.2833 (weight of 1 in.3 of steel) or by dividing the weight per linear foot of specimen
by 3.4 (weight of steel 1 in. square and 1 ft long).
Thickness, in. (mm) Width, in. (mm) Hot-Rolled Bars Cold-Finished Bars
Flats
Under 5⁄8 (16) Up to 11⁄2 (38), incl Full section by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge Mill reduced section to 2-in. (50 mm)
length (Fig. 3). gauge length and approximately 25 %
less than test specimen width.

Over 11⁄2 (38) Full section, or mill to 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) Mill reduced section to 2-in. gauge length
wide by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length (Fig. and 11⁄2 in. wide.
3).

⁄ to 11⁄2 (16 to 38),

58 Up to 11⁄2 (38), incl Full section by 8-in. gauge length or ma- Mill reduced section to 2-in. (50 mm)
excl chine standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. (13 mm by gauge length and approximately 25 %
50 mm) gauge length specimen from cen- less than test specimen width or machine
ter of section (Fig. 4). standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. (13 mm by 50 mm)
gauge length specimen from center of
section (Fig. 4).

Over 11⁄2 (38) Full section, or mill 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) width Mill reduced section to 2-in. gauge length
by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length (Fig. 3) or and 11⁄2 in. wide or machine standard 1⁄2-
machine standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. gauge in. by 2-in. gauge length specimen from
(13 mm by 50 mm) gauge length speci- midway between edge and center of sec-
men from midway between edge and cen- tion (Fig. 4).
ter of section (Fig. 4).

11⁄2 (38) and over Full section by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge Machine standard 1⁄2 in. by 2-in. (13 mm
length, or machine standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. by 50 mm) gauge length specimen from
(13 mm by 50 mm) gauge length speci- midway between surface and center (Fig.
men from midway between surface and 4).
center (Fig. 4).
Rounds, Squares, Hexagons, and Octagons
Diameter or Distance Between
Hot-Rolled Bars Cold-Finished Bars
Parallel Faces, in. (mm)
Under ⁄ 58 Full section by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length or ma- Machine to sub-size specimen (Fig. 4).
chine to subsize specimen (Fig. 4).

⁄ to 11⁄2 (16 to 38), excl

58 Full section by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length or ma- Machine standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. gauge length specimen
chine standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. (13 mm by 50 mm) from center of section (Fig. 4).
gauge length specimen from center of section (Fig.
4).

11⁄2 (38) and over Full section by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length or ma- Machine standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. (13 mm by 50 mm gauge
chine standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. (13 mm by 50 mm) length specimen from midway between surface and center
gauge length specimen from midway between sur- of section (Fig. 4)).
face and center of section (Fig. 4).
Other Bar-size Sections
All sizes Full section by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length or pre- Mill reduced section to 2-in. (50 mm) gauge length and ap-
pare test specimen 11⁄2-in. (38 mm) wide (if possible) proximately 25 % less than test specimen width.
by 8-in. (200 mm) gauge length.

28
 A370 − 23
TABLE A1.2 Recommended Practice for Selecting Bend Test Specimens for Steel Bar Products
NOTE 1—The length of all specimens is to be not less than 6 in. (150 mm).
NOTE 2—The edges of the specimen may be rounded to a radius not exceeding 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm).
Flats
Thickness, in. (mm) Width, in. (mm) Recommended Size
Up to 1⁄2 (13), incl Up to 3⁄4 (19), incl Full section.

Over 3⁄4 (19) Full section or machine to not less than ot less than
3⁄4 in. (19 mm) in width by thickness of specimen.

Over 1⁄2 (13) All Full section or machine to 1 in. by 1⁄2 in. (25 mm by
13 mm) specimen from midway between center and
surface.
Rounds, Squares, Hexagons, and Octagons
Diameter or Distance Between Parallel Faces, in. (mm) Recommended Size
Up to 11⁄2 (38), incl Full section.

Over 11⁄2 (38) Machine to 1-in. by 1⁄2-in. (25 mm by 13 mm) specimen from midway between
center and surface.

A2. STEEL TUBULAR PRODUCTS

A2.1 Scope
A2.1.1 This annex contains testing requirements for Steel
Tubular Products that are specific to the product. The require-
ments contained in this annex are supplementary to those found
in the general section of this specification. In the case of
conflict between requirements provided in this annex and those
found in the general section of this specification, the require-
ments of this annex shall prevail. In the case of conflict
between requirements provided in this annex and requirements
found in product specifications, the requirements found in the
product specification shall prevail.
A2.1.2 Tubular shapes covered by this specification include,
round, square, rectangular, and special shapes.
FIG. A2.1 Metal Plugs for Testing Tubular Specimens, Proper Lo-
A2.2 Tension Test cation of Plugs in Specimen and of Specimen in Heads of Test-
ing Machine
A2.2.1 Full-size Longitudinal Test Specimens:
A2.2.1.1 As an alternative to the use of longitudinal strip
test specimens or longitudinal round test specimens, tension diameter to be used when elongation comparable to that
test specimens of full-size tubular sections are used, provided obtainable with larger test specimens is required.
that the testing equipment has sufficient capacity. Snug-fitting A2.2.1.3 To determine the cross-sectional area of the full-
metal plugs should be inserted far enough in the end of such section specimen, measurements shall be recorded as the
tubular specimens to permit the testing machine jaws to grip average or mean between the greatest and least measurements
the specimens properly without crushing. A design that may be of the outside diameter and the average or mean wall thickness,
used for such plugs is shown in Fig. A2.1. The plugs shall not to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) and the cross-sectional area
extend into that part of the specimen on which the elongation is determined by the following equation:
is measured (see Fig. A2.1). Care should be exercised to see A 5 3.1416t ~ D 2 t ! (A2.1)
that insofar as practicable, the load in such cases is applied
axially. The length of the full-section specimen depends on the where:
gauge length prescribed for measuring the elongation. A = sectional area, in.2
D = outside diameter, in., and
A2.2.1.2 Unless otherwise required by the product
t = thickness of tube wall, in.
specification, the gauge length is 2 in. or 50 mm, except that for NOTE A2.1—There exist other methods of cross-sectional area
tubing having an outside diameter of 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) or less, it determination, such as by weighing of the specimens, which are equally
is customary for a gauge length equal to four times the outside accurate or appropriate for the purpose.

29
 A370 − 23
A2.2.2 Longitudinal Strip Test Specimens: ⁄ in. (19 mm), the transverse test specimen shall be of the
34

A2.2.2.1 As an alternative to the use of full-size longitudi- form and dimensions shown in Fig. A2.5 and either or both
nal test specimens or longitudinal round test specimens, surfaces may be machined to secure uniform thickness. Speci-
longitudinal strip test specimens, obtained from strips cut from mens for transverse tension tests on welded steel tubes or pipe
the tubular product as shown in Fig. A2.2 and machined to the to determine strength of welds, shall be located perpendicular
dimensions shown in Fig. A2.3 are used. For welded structural to the welded seams with the weld at about the middle of their
tubing, such test specimens shall be from a location at least 90° length.
from the weld; for other welded tubular products, such test A2.2.3.2 The width should be measured at each end of the
specimens shall be from a location approximately 90° from the gauge length to determine parallelism and also at the center.
weld. Unless otherwise required by the product specification, The thickness should be measured at the center and used with
the gauge length shall conform to dimension C in Fig. A2.3. the center measurement of the width to determine the cross-
The test specimens shall be tested using grips that are flat or sectional area. The center width dimension should be recorded
have a surface contour corresponding to the curvature of the to the nearest 0.005 in. (0.127 mm), and the thickness
tubular product, or the ends of the test specimens shall be measurement to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm).
flattened without heating prior to the test specimens being A2.2.4 Round Test Specimens:
tested using flat grips. The test specimen shown as specimen 4
A2.2.4.1 When provided for in the product specification, the
in Fig. 3 shall be used, unless the capacity of the testing
round test specimen shown in Fig. 4 may be used.
equipment or the dimensions and nature of the tubular product
A2.2.4.2 The diameter of the round test specimen is mea-
to be tested makes the use of specimen nos. 1, 2, or 3 necessary.
sured at the center of the specimen to the nearest 0.001 in.
NOTE A2.2—An exact formula for calculating the cross-sectional area (0.025 mm).
of specimens of the type shown in Fig. A2.3 taken from a circular tube is A2.2.4.3 Small-size specimens proportional to standard, as
given in Test Methods E8/E8M.
shown in Fig. 4, may be used when it is necessary to test
A2.2.2.2 The width should be measured at each end of the material from which the standard specimen cannot be prepared.
gauge length to determine parallelism and also at the center. Other sizes of small-size specimens may be used. In any such
The thickness should be measured at the center and used with small-size specimen, it is important that the gauge length for
the center measurement of the width to determine the cross- measurement of elongation be four times the diameter of the
sectional area. The center width dimension should be recorded specimen (see Note 5, Fig. 4). The elongation requirements for
to the nearest 0.005 in. (0.127 mm), and the thickness the round specimen 2-in. gauge length in the product specifi-
measurement to the nearest 0.001 in. cation shall apply to the small-size specimens.
A2.2.3 Transverse Strip Test Specimens: A2.2.4.4 For transverse specimens, the section from which
A2.2.3.1 In general, transverse tension tests are not recom- the specimen is taken shall not be flattened or otherwise
mended for tubular products, in sizes smaller than 8 in. in deformed.
nominal diameter. When required, transverse tension test A2.2.4.5 Longitudinal test specimens are obtained from
specimens may be taken from rings cut from ends of tubes or strips cut from the tubular product as shown in Fig. A2.2.
pipe as shown in Fig. A2.4. Flattening of the specimen may be
done either after separating it from the tube as in Fig. A2.4 (a), A2.3 Determination of Transverse Yield Strength, Hydrau-
or before separating it as in Fig. A2.4 (b), and may be done hot lic Ring-expansion Method
or cold; but if the flattening is done cold, the specimen may A2.3.1 Hardness tests are made on the outside surface,
subsequently be normalized. Specimens from tubes or pipe for inside surface, or wall cross-section depending upon product-
which heat treatment is specified, after being flattened either specification limitation. Surface preparation may be necessary
hot or cold, shall be given the same treatment as the tubes or to obtain accurate hardness values.
pipe. For tubes or pipe having a wall thickness of less than A2.3.2 A testing machine and method for determining the
transverse yield strength from an annular ring specimen, have
been developed and described in A2.3.3 – 9.1.2.
A2.3.3 A diagrammatic vertical cross-sectional sketch of
the testing machine is shown in Fig. A2.6.
A2.3.4 In determining the transverse yield strength on this
machine, a short ring (commonly 3 in. (76 mm) in length) test
specimen is used. After the large circular nut is removed from
the machine, the wall thickness of the ring specimen is
determined and the specimen is telescoped over the oil resistant
rubber gasket. The nut is then replaced, but is not turned down
tight against the specimen. A slight clearance is left between
the nut and specimen for the purpose of permitting free radial
NOTE 1—The edges of the blank for the specimen shall be cut parallel
to each other. movement of the specimen as it is being tested. Oil under
FIG. A2.2 Location of Longitudinal Tension—Test Specimens in pressure is then admitted to the interior of the rubber gasket
Rings Cut From Tubular Products through the pressure line under the control of a suitable valve.

30
 A370 − 23

DIMENSIONS
Dimensions, in.
Specimen No.
A B C D
1 ⁄ ± 0.015
12 ⁄ approximately
11 16 2 ± 0.005 21⁄4 min
2 3⁄4 ± 0.031 1 approximately 2 ± 0.005 21⁄4 min
4 ± 0.005 41⁄2 min
3 1± 0.062 11⁄2 approximately 2 ± 0.005 21⁄4 min
4 ± 0.005 41⁄2 min
4 11⁄2 ± .125 2 approximately 2 ± 0.010 21⁄4 min
4 ± 0.015 41⁄2 min
8 ± 0.020 9 min
5 ⁄ ± .002
14 ⁄ approximately
38 1 ± 0.003 1 1⁄4 min

NOTE 1—Cross-sectional area may be calculated by multiplying A and t.

NOTE 2—The dimension t is the thickness of the test specimen as provided for in the applicable material specifications.
NOTE 3—The reduced section shall be parallel within 0.010 in. and may have a gradual taper in width from the ends toward the center, with the ends
not more than 0.010 in. wider than the center.
NOTE 4—The ends of the specimen shall be symmetrical with the center line of the reduced section within 0.10 in.
NOTE 5—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.
NOTE 6—Specimens with sides parallel throughout their length are permitted, except for referee testing, provided: (a) the above tolerances are used;
(b) an adequate number of marks are provided for determination of elongation; and (c) when yield strength is determined, a suitable extensometer is used.
If the fracture occurs at a distance of less than 2A from the edge of the gripping device, the tensile properties determined may not be representative of
the material. If the properties meet the minimum requirements specified, no further testing is required, but if they are less than the minimum requirements,
discard the test and retest.
NOTE 7—Specimen 5 is intended for testing specimens removed from an in-service product. Specimen 5 shall not be used for conformance testing of
new product. Acceptance criteria for elongation values obtained from 1 in. gauge length specimens shall be determined by agreement between the
responsible parties.
FIG. A2.3 Dimensions and Tolerances for Longitudinal Strip Tension Test Specimens for Tubular Products

FIG. A2.4 Location of Transverse Tension Test Specimens in

Ring Cut from Tubular Products.
NOTE 1—The dimension t is the thickness of the test specimen as
provided for in the applicable material specifications.
An accurately calibrated pressure gauge serves to measure oil NOTE 2—The reduced section shall be parallel within 0.010 in. and may
pressure. Any air in the system is removed through the bleeder have a gradual taper in width from the ends toward the center, with the
line. As the oil pressure is increased, the rubber gasket expands ends not more than 0.010 in. wider than the center.
which in turn stresses the specimen circumferentially. As the NOTE 3—The ends of the specimen shall be symmetrical with the center
line of the reduced section within 0.10 in.
pressure builds up, the lips of the rubber gasket act as a seal to
NOTE 4—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.6 mm.
prevent oil leakage. With continued increase in pressure, the FIG. A2.5 Transverse Tension Test Specimen Machined From
ring specimen is subjected to a tension stress and elongates Ring Cut from Tubular Products
accordingly. The entire outside circumference of the ring
specimen is considered as the gauge length and the strain is
measured with a suitable extensometer which will be described condition as the tubular section from which it is cut. Further,
later. When the desired total strain or extension under load is the test closely simulates service conditions in pipe lines. One
reached on the extensometer, the oil pressure in pounds per testing machine unit may be used for several different sizes of
square inch is read and by employing Barlow’s formula, the pipe by the use of suitable rubber gaskets and adapters.
unit yield strength is calculated. The yield strength, thus
NOTE A2.3—Barlow’s formula may be stated two ways:
determined, is a true result since the test specimen has not been
cold worked by flattening and closely approximates the same ~ 1 ! P 5 2St/D (A2.2)

31
 A370 − 23
or adding rollers, the roller chain may be adapted for different
sizes of tubular sections.
A2.4 Hardness Tests
A2.4.1 Hardness tests are made either on the outside or the
inside surfaces on the end of the tube as appropriate.
A2.4.2 The standard 3000 kgf Brinell load may cause too
FIG. A2.6 Testing Machine for Determination of Transverse Yield much deformation in a thin-walled tubular specimen. In this
Strength from Annular Ring Specimens case the 500 kgf load shall be applied, or inside stiffening by
means of an internal anvil should be used. Brinell fixed-
location hardness testing machines shall not be applicable to
~ 2 ! S 5 PD/2t (A2.3)
tubular products less than 2 in. (51 mm) in outside diameter, or
where: less than 0.200 in. (5.1 mm) in wall thickness.
P = internal hydrostatic pressure, psi, A2.4.3 The Rockwell hardness tests are normally made on
S = unit circumferential stress in the wall of the tube the inside surface, a flat on the outside surface, or on the wall
produced by the internal hydrostatic pressure, psi, cross-section depending upon the product limitation. Rockwell
t = thickness of the tube wall, in., and hardness tests are not performed on tubes smaller than 5⁄16 in.
D = outside diameter of the tube, in. (7.9 mm) in outside diameter, nor are they performed on the
A2.3.5 A roller chain type extensometer which has been inside surface of tubes with less than 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) inside
found satisfactory for measuring the elongation of the ring diameter. Rockwell hardness tests are not performed on an-
specimen is shown in Figs. A2.7 and A2.8. Fig. A2.7 shows the nealed tubes with walls less than 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) thick or
extensometer in position, but unclamped, on a ring specimen. cold worked or heat treated tubes with walls less than 0.049 in.
A small pin, through which the strain is transmitted to and (1.24 mm) thick. For tubes with wall thicknesses less than
measured by the dial gauge, extends through the hollow those permitting the regular Rockwell hardness test, the Su-
threaded stud. When the extensometer is clamped, as shown in perficial Rockwell test is sometimes substituted. Transverse
Fig. A2.8, the desired tension which is necessary to hold the Rockwell hardness readings can be made on tubes with a wall
instrument in place and to remove any slack, is exerted on the thickness of 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) or greater. The curvature and
roller chain by the spring. Tension on the spring may be the wall thickness of the specimen impose limitations on the
regulated as desired by the knurled thumb screw. By removing Rockwell hardness test. When a comparison is made between

FIG. A2.7 Roller Chain Type Extensometer, Unclamped

32
 A370 − 23

FIG. A2.8 Roller Chain Type Extensometer, Clamped

Rockwell determinations made on the outside surface and A2.5 Manipulating Tests
determinations made on the inside surface, adjustment of the
readings will be required to compensate for the effect of A2.5.1 The following tests are made to prove ductility of
curvature. The Rockwell B scale is used on all materials having certain tubular products:
an expected hardness range of B0 to B100. The Rockwell C A2.5.1.1 Flattening Test—The flattening test as commonly
scale is used on material having an expected hardness range of made on specimens cut from tubular products is conducted by
C20 to C68. subjecting rings from the tube or pipe to a prescribed degree of
A2.4.4 Superficial Rockwell hardness tests are normally flattening between parallel plates (see Fig. A2.4). The severity
performed on the outside surface whenever possible and of the flattening test is measured by the distance between the
whenever excessive spring back is not encountered. Otherwise, parallel plates and is varied according to the dimensions of the
the tests may be performed on the inside. Superficial Rockwell tube or pipe. The flattening test specimen should not be less
hardness tests shall not be performed on tubes with an inside than 21⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in length and should be flattened cold to
diameter of less than 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm). The wall thickness the extent required by the applicable material specifications.
limitations for the Superficial Rockwell hardness test are given A2.5.1.2 Reverse Flattening Test—The reverse flattening
in Tables A2.1 and A2.2. test is designed primarily for application to electric-welded
A2.4.5 When the outside diameter, inside diameter, or wall tubing for the detection of lack of penetration or overlaps
thickness precludes the obtaining of accurate hardness values, resulting from flash removal in the weld. The specimen
tubular products shall be specified to tensile properties and so consists of a length of tubing approximately 4 in. (102 mm)
tested. long which is split longitudinally 90° on each side of the weld.

TABLE A2.1 Wall Thickness Limitations of Superficial Hardness Test on Annealed or Ductile Materials
for Steel Tubular ProductsA
(“T” Scale (1⁄16-in. Ball))
Wall Thickness, in. (mm) Load, kgf
Over 0.050 (1.27) 45
Over 0.035 (0.89) 30
0.020 and over (0.51) 15
A
The heaviest load recommended for a given wall thickness is generally used.

33
 A370 − 23
TABLE A2.2 Wall Thickness Limitations of Superficial Hardness Test on Cold Worked or Heat Treated Material
for Steel Tubular ProductsA
(“N” Scale (Diamond Penetrator))
Wall Thickness, in. (mm) Load, kgf
Over 0.035 (0.89) 45
Over 0.025 (0.51) 30
0.015 and over (0.38) 15
A
The heaviest load recommended for a given wall thickness is generally used.

The sample is then opened and flattened with the weld at the pipe is bent cold through 90° around a cylindrical mandrel
point of maximum bend (see Fig. A2.9). having a diameter 12 times the nominal diameter of the pipe.
A2.5.1.3 Crush Test—The crush test, sometimes referred to For close coiling, the pipe is bent cold through 180° around a
as an upsetting test, is usually made on boiler and other mandrel having a diameter 8 times the nominal diameter of the
pressure tubes, for evaluating ductility (see Fig. A2.10). The pipe.
specimen is a ring cut from the tube, usually about 21⁄2 in. A2.5.1.7 Transverse Guided Bend Test of Welds—This bend
(63.5 mm) long. It is placed on end and crushed endwise by test is used to determine the ductility of fusion welds. The
hammer or press to the distance prescribed by the applicable
specimens used are approximately 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) wide, at
material specifications.
least 6 in. (152 mm) in length with the weld at the center, and
A2.5.1.4 Flange Test—The flange test is intended to deter-
are machined in accordance with Fig. A2.13 for face and root
mine the ductility of boiler tubes and their ability to withstand
the operation of bending into a tube sheet. The test is made on bend tests and in accordance with Fig. A2.14 for side bend
a ring cut from a tube, usually not less than 4 in. (100 mm) long tests. The dimensions of the plunger shall be as shown in Fig.
and consists of having a flange turned over at right angles to the A2.15 and the other dimensions of the bending jig shall be
body of the tube to the width required by the applicable substantially as given in this same figure. A test shall consist of
material specifications. The flaring tool and die block shown in a face bend specimen and a root bend specimen or two side
Fig. A2.11 are recommended for use in making this test. bend specimens. A face bend test requires bending with the
A2.5.1.5 Flaring Test—For certain types of pressure tubes, inside surface of the pipe against the plunger; a root bend test
an alternate to the flange test is made. This test consists of requires bending with the outside surface of the pipe against
driving a tapered mandrel having a slope of 1 in 10 as shown the plunger; and a side bend test requires bending so that one
in Fig. A2.12 (a) or a 60° included angle as shown in Fig. of the side surfaces becomes the convex surface of the bend
A2.12 (b) into a section cut from the tube, approximately 4 in. specimen.
(100 mm) in length, and thus expanding the specimen until the (1) Failure of the bend test depends upon the appearance of
inside diameter has been increased to the extent required by the cracks in the area of the bend, of the nature and extent
applicable material specifications. described in the product specifications.
A2.5.1.6 Bend Test—For pipe used for coiling in sizes 2 in.
and under a bend test is made to determine its ductility and the
soundness of weld. In this test a sufficient length of full-size

FIG. A2.9 Reverse Flattening Test

34
 A370 − 23

FIG. A2.10 Crush Test Specimen

NOTE 1—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

FIG. A2.11 Flaring Tool and Die Block for Flange Test

FIG. A2.12 Tapered Mandrels for Flaring Test

35
 A370 − 23

NOTE 1—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

Pipe Wall Thickness (t), in. Test Specimen Thickness, in.
Up to 3⁄8, incl t
Over 3⁄8 3⁄8

FIG. A2.13 Transverse Face- and Root-bend Test Specimens

NOTE 1—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

FIG. A2.14 Side-bend Specimen for Ferrous Materials

36
 A370 − 23

NOTE 1—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

Test Specimen Thickness, in. A B C D
3⁄8 11⁄2 ⁄
34 23⁄8 13⁄16
t 4t 2t 6t + 1⁄8 3t + 1⁄16
Material
⁄
38 21⁄2 11⁄4 33⁄8 111⁄16 Materials with a specified minimum tensile strength of 95 ksi or
t 62⁄3 t 31⁄3 t 8 ⁄ t + 1⁄8
23 4 ⁄ t + 1⁄16
12 greater.

FIG. A2.15 Guided-bend Test Jig

A3. STEEL FASTENERS

A3.1 Scope section. Subsections A3.2.1.1 – A3.2.1.6 apply when testing

bolts full size. Subsection A3.2.1.4 shall apply where the
A3.1.1 This annex contains testing requirements for Steel
individual product specifications permit the use of machined
Fasteners that are specific to the product. The requirements
specimens.
contained in this annex are supplementary to those found in the
general section of this specification. In the case of conflict A3.2.1.1 Proof Load—Due to particular uses of certain
classes of bolts it is desirable to be able to stress them, while
between requirements provided in this annex and those found
in use, to a specified value without obtaining any permanent
in the general section of this specification, the requirements of
set. To be certain of obtaining this quality the proof load is
this annex shall prevail. In the case of conflict between
specified. The proof load test consists of stressing the bolt with
requirements provided in this annex and requirements found in
a specified load which the bolt must withstand without perma-
product specifications, the requirements found in the product
nent set. An alternate test which determines yield strength of a
specification shall prevail.
full size bolt is also allowed. Either of the following Methods,
A3.1.2 These tests are set up to facilitate production control 1 or 2, may be used but Method 1 shall be the arbitration
testing and acceptance testing with certain more precise tests to method in case of any dispute as to acceptance of the bolts.
be used for arbitration in case of disagreement over test results. A3.2.1.2 Proof Load Testing Long Bolts—When fasteners
are too long to test in the available equipment they may be cut
A3.2 Tension Tests to 8 6 0.125 in. and tested using Method 1. If there is a dispute
A3.2.1 It is preferred that bolts be tested full size, and it is over results when testing the same part or lot of parts both full
customary, when so testing bolts to specify a minimum size and cut to 8 in., the 8 in. test results shall be used to
ultimate load in pounds, rather than a minimum ultimate determine acceptance.
strength in pounds per square inch. Three times the bolt (a) Method 1, Length Measurement—The overall length of
nominal diameter has been established as the minimum bolt a straight bolt shall be measured at its true center line with an
length subject to the tests described in the remainder of this instrument capable of measuring changes in length of

37
 A370 − 23
0.0001 in. (0.0025 mm) with an accuracy of 0.0001 in. in any develop the full strength of the bolt. The nut or fixture shall be
0.001-in. (0.025 mm) range. The preferred method of measur- assembled on the bolt leaving six complete bolt threads
ing the length shall be between conical centers machined on the unengaged between the grips, except for heavy hexagon
center line of the bolt, with mating centers on the measuring structural bolts which shall have four complete threads unen-
anvils. The head or body of the bolt shall be marked so that it gaged between the grips. To meet the requirements of this test,
can be placed in the same position for all measurements. The there shall be a tensile failure in the body or threaded section
bolt shall be assembled in the testing equipment as outlined in with no failure at the junction of the body and head. When
A3.2.1.4, and the proof load specified in the product specifi- tensile testing externally threaded fasteners made of austenitic
cation shall be applied. Upon release of this load the length of stainless steel and the test fastener’s thread pulls out of the
the bolt shall be again measured and shall show no permanent internally threaded test fixture after the minimum tensile
elongation. A tolerance of 60.0005 in. (0.0127 mm) shall be strength requirement has been reached, the fasteners shall be
allowed between the measurement made before loading and considered conforming to the tensile strength requirement and,
that made after loading. Variables, such as straightness and in addition to the tensile strength, the failure mode shall be
thread alignment (plus measurement error), may result in reported to the purchaser. If it is necessary to record or report
apparent elongation of the fasteners when the proof load is the tensile strength of bolts as psi values, the stress area shall
initially applied. In such cases, the fastener may be retested be calculated from the mean of the mean root and pitch
using a 3 % greater load, and may be considered satisfactory if diameters of Class 3 external threads as follows:
the length after this loading is the same as before this loading A s 5 0.7854 @ D 2 ~ 0.9743/n ! # 2 (A3.1)
(within the 0.0005-in. tolerance for measurement error).
A3.2.1.3 Proof Load-Time of Loading—The proof load is to where:
be maintained for a period of 10 s before release of load, when As = stress area, in.2,
using Method 1. D = nominal diameter, in., and
(1) Method 2, Yield Strength—The bolt shall be assembled n = number of threads per in.
in the testing equipment as outlined in A3.2.1.4. As the load is A3.2.1.5 Tension Testing of Full-size Bolts with a Wedge—
applied, the total elongation of the bolt or any part of the bolt The purpose of this test is to obtain the tensile strength and
which includes the exposed six threads shall be measured and demonstrate the “head quality” and ductility of a bolt with a
recorded to produce a load-strain or a stress-strain diagram. standard head by subjecting it to eccentric loading. The
The load or stress at an offset equal to 0.2 % of the length of ultimate load on the bolt shall be determined as described in
bolt occupied by six full threads shall be determined by the A3.2.1.4, except that a 10° wedge shall be placed under the
method described in 14.2.1 of these methods, A370. This load same bolt previously tested for the proof load (see A3.2.1.1).
or stress shall not be less than that prescribed in the product The bolt head shall be so placed that no corner of the hexagon
specification. or square takes a bearing load, that is, a flat of the head shall
A3.2.1.4 Axial Tension Testing of Full Size Bolts—Bolts be aligned with the direction of uniform thickness of the wedge
are to be tested in a holder with the load axially applied (see Fig. A3.2). The wedge shall have an included angle
between the head and a nut or suitable fixture (see Fig. A3.1), between its faces as shown in Table A3.1 and shall have a
either of which shall have sufficient thread engagement to thickness of one-half of the nominal bolt diameter at the short
side of the hole. The hole in the wedge shall have the following
clearance over the nominal size of the bolt, and its edges, top
and bottom, shall be rounded to the following radius:
Clearance in Hole, Radius on Corners of
Nominal Bolt Size, in. in. (mm) Hole, in. (mm)
1⁄4 to 1⁄2 0.030 (0.76) 0.030 (0.76)
9⁄16 to 3⁄4 0.050 (1.3) 0.060 (1.5)
7⁄8 to 1 0.063 (1.5) 0.060 (1.5)
11⁄8 to 11⁄4 0.063 (1.5) 0.125 (3.2)
13⁄8 to 11⁄2 0.094 (2.4) 0.125 (3.2)
A3.2.1.6 Wedge Testing of HT Bolts Threaded to Head—For
heat-treated bolts that are threaded 1 diameter and closer to the
underside of the head, the wedge angle shall be 6° for sizes
1⁄4 in. through 3⁄4 in. (6.35 mm to 19.0 mm) and 4° for sizes

over 3⁄4 in.

A3.2.1.7 Tension Testing of Bolts Machined to Round Test
Specimens:
(1) Bolts under 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) in nominal diameter
which require machined tests shall preferably use a standard
1⁄2-in., (13 mm) round 2-in. (50 mm) gauge length test

specimen (see Fig. 4); however, bolts of small cross-section

that will not permit the taking of this standard test specimen
shall use one of the small-size-specimens-proportional-to-
FIG. A3.1 Tension Testing Full-size Bolt standard (see Fig. 4) and the specimen shall have a reduced

38
 A370 − 23

c = Clearance of wedge hole

d = Diameter of bolt
R = Radius
T = Thickness of wedge at short side of hole equal to one-half diameter of bolt
FIG. A3.2 Wedge Test Detail

TABLE A3.1 Tension Test Wedge Angles turned from the bolt, having its axis midway between the
Degrees center and outside surface of the body of the bolt as shown in
Nominal Product Size, in. Studs and Flange Fig. A3.5.
Bolts
Bolts
⁄ –1
14 10 6 (3) Machined specimens are to be tested in tension to
Over 1 6 4 determine the properties prescribed by the product specifica-
tions. The methods of testing and determination of properties
shall be in accordance with Section 14 of these test methods.
A3.3 Hardness Tests for Externally Threaded Fasteners
section as large as possible. In all cases, the longitudinal axis of
the specimen shall be concentric with the axis of the bolt; the A3.3.1 When specified, externally threaded fasteners shall
head and threaded section of the bolt may be left intact, as in be hardness tested. Fasteners with hexagonal or square heads
Fig. A3.3 and Fig. A3.4, or shaped to fit the holders or grips of shall be Brinell or Rockwell hardness tested. For hexagonal
the testing machine so that the load is applied axially. The and square head bolts, test shall be conducted on the wrench
gauge length for measuring the elongation shall be four times flats, top of head, unthreaded shank, end of bolt or at the
the diameter of the specimen. arbitration location. For studs, products without parallel
(2) For bolts 11⁄2 in. and over in nominal diameter, a wrench flats and for head styles other than hexagonal and
standard 1⁄2-in. round 2-in. gauge length test specimen shall be square, tests shall be conducted on the unthreaded shank, end

39
 A370 − 23

NOTE 1—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

FIG. A3.3 Tension Test Specimen for Bolt with Turned-down
Shank

NOTE 1—Metric equivalent: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

FIG. A3.4 Examples of Small Size Specimens Proportional to
Standard 2-in. Gauge Length Specimen

FIG. A3.5 Location of Standard Round 2-in. Gauge Length Ten-

sion Test Specimen When Turned from Large Size Bolt

of the bolt or stud or at the arbitration location. Due to possible where the Brinell hardness test is impractical, the Rockwell
distortion from the Brinell load, care should be taken that this hardness test shall be substituted. Rockwell hardness test
test meets the requirements of Section 17 of these test methods procedures shall conform to Section 18 of these test methods.

40
 A370 − 23
A3.3.2 In cases where a dispute exists between buyer and Sample nuts shall be sectioned laterally at approximately one
seller as to whether externally threaded fasteners meet or half (1⁄2) of the nut height. Such samples need not be threaded,
exceed the hardness limit of the product specification, for but shall be part of the manufacturing lot, including heat
purposes of arbitration, hardness may be taken on two trans- treatment. All tests shall be conducted using Rockwell Hard-
verse sections through a representative sample fastener se- ness test scales. Two sets of three readings shall be taken in
lected at random. Hardness readings shall be taken at the locations ~180° apart (see Fig. A3.7). All readings shall be
locations shown in Fig. A3.6. All hardness values must reported when certification is required and shall meet the
conform with the hardness limit of the product specification in hardness requirements listed in the product specification. The
order for the fasteners represented by the sample to be readings shall be taken across the section of the nut at the
considered in compliance. This provision for arbitration of a following positions:
dispute shall not be used to accept clearly rejectable fasteners.
Position 1—as close as practical to the major diameter (if
A3.4 Testing of Nuts threaded) or hole side wall (if blank), but no closer than 21⁄2
A3.4.1 Hardness Test—Rockwell hardness of nuts shall be times the diameter of the indenter.
determined on the top or bottom face of the nut. Brinell Position 2—at the core (halfway between the major diameter
hardness shall be determined on the side of the nuts. Either (if threaded) or hole side wall, if blank) and a corner of the nut.
method may be used at the option of the manufacturer, taking Position 3—as close as practical to the corner of the nut, but
into account the size and grade of the nuts under test. When the no closer than 21⁄2 times the diameter of the indenter.
standard Brinell hardness test results in deforming the nut it
will be necessary to use a minor load or substitute a Rockwell
hardness test.
A3.4.2 Cross Sectional Hardness Test—Nuts whose proof
stress requires a load exceeding 160 000 lb shall, unless
otherwise specified in the purchase order, contract or product
specification, be considered too large for full size proof load
testing and shall be subjected to a cross sectional hardness test.

FIG. A3.6 Hardness Test Locations for Bolts in a Dispute

41
 A370 − 23

FIG. A3.7 Hardness Test Indentation Locations

A4. STEEL ROUND WIRE PRODUCTS

A4.1 Scope
A4.1.1 This annex contains testing requirements for Round
Wire Products that are specific to the product. The require-
ments contained in this annex are supplementary to those found
in the general section of this specification. In the case of
conflict between requirements provided in this annex and those
found in the general section of this specification, the require-
ments of this annex shall prevail. In the case of conflict
between requirements provided in this annex and requirements
found in product specifications, the requirements found in the
product specification shall prevail.
A4.2 Apparatus
A4.2.1 Gripping Devices—Grips of either the wedge or FIG. A4.2 Snubbing-type Gripping Device
snubbing types as shown in Figs. A4.1 and A4.2 shall be used
(see Note A4.1). When using grips of either type, care shall be slipping and breakage at the grip edges at tensile loads up to about
taken that the axis of the test specimen is located approxi- 1000 lb. For tests of specimens of wire which are liable to be cut at the
edges by the “usual type” of wedge grips, the snubbing type gripping
mately at the center line of the head of the testing machine (see device has proved satisfactory.
Note A4.2). When using wedge grips the liners used behind the For testing round wire, the use of cylindrical seat in the wedge gripping
grips shall be of the proper thickness. device is optional.
NOTE A4.2—Any defect in a testing machine which may cause nonaxial
NOTE A4.1—Testing machines usually are equipped with wedge grips. application of load should be corrected.
These wedge grips, irrespective of the type of testing machine, may be
referred to as the “usual type” of wedge grips. The use of fine (180 or 240) A4.2.2 Pointed Micrometer—A micrometer with a pointed
grit abrasive cloth in the “usual” wedge type grips, with the abrasive spindle and anvil suitable for reading the dimensions of the
contacting the wire specimen, can be helpful in reducing specimen wire specimen at the fractured ends to the nearest 0.001 in.
(0.025 mm) after breaking the specimen in the testing machine
shall be used.
A4.3 Test Specimens
A4.3.1 Test specimens having the full cross-sectional area
of the wire they represent shall be used. The standard gauge
length of the specimens shall be 10 in. (254 mm). However, if
the determination of elongation values is not required, any
convenient gauge length is permissible. The total length of the
specimens shall be at least equal to the gauge length (10 in.)
plus twice the length of wire required for the full use of the grip
employed. For example, depending upon the type of testing
machine and grips used, the minimum total length of specimen
may vary from 14 in. to 24 in. (360 mm to 610 mm) for a 10-in.
gauge length specimen.
A4.3.2 Any specimen breaking in the grips shall be dis-
FIG. A4.1 Wedge-type Gripping Device carded and a new specimen tested.

42
 A370 − 23
A4.4 Elongation not recommended for any diameter of hard drawn wire or
A4.4.1 In determining permanent elongation, the ends of the heat-treated wire less than 0.100 in. (2.54 mm) in diameter. For
fractured specimen shall be carefully fitted together and the round wire, the tensile strength test is greatly preferred over the
distance between the gauge marks measured to the nearest hardness test.
0.01 in. (0.25 mm) with dividers and scale or other suitable A4.7 Wrap Test
device. The elongation is the increase in length of the gauge
length, expressed as a percentage of the original gauge length. A4.7.1 This test is used as a means for testing the ductility
In recording elongation values, both the percentage increase of certain kinds of wire.
and the original gauge length shall be given. A4.7.2 The test consists of coiling the wire in a closely
A4.4.2 In determining total elongation (elastic plus plastic spaced helix tightly against a mandrel of a specified diameter
extension) autographic or extensometer methods may be em- for a required number of turns. (Unless other specified, the
ployed. required number of turns shall be five.) The wrapping may be
done by hand or a power device. The wrapping rate may not
A4.4.3 If fracture takes place outside of the middle third of exceed 15 turns per min. The mandrel diameter shall be
the gauge length, the elongation value obtained may not be specified in the relevant wire product specification.
representative of the material.
A4.7.3 The wire tested shall be considered to have failed if
A4.5 Reduction of Area the wire fractures or if any longitudinal or transverse cracks
develop which can be seen by the unaided eye after the first
A4.5.1 The ends of the fractured specimen shall be carefully
complete turn. Wire which fails in the first turn shall be
fitted together and the dimensions of the smallest cross section
retested, as such fractures may be caused by bending the wire
measured to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) with a pointed
to a radius less than specified when the test starts.
micrometer. The difference between the area thus found and the
area of the original cross section, expressed as a percentage of A4.8 Coiling Test
the original area, is the reduction of area.
A4.8.1 This test is used to determine if imperfections are
A4.5.2 The reduction of area test is not recommended in present to the extent that they may cause cracking or splitting
wire diameters less than 0.092 in. (2.34 mm) due to the during spring coiling and spring extension. A coil of specified
difficulties of measuring the reduced cross sections. length is closed wound on an arbor of a specified diameter. The
closed coil is then stretched to a specified permanent increase
A4.6 Rockwell Hardness Test in length and examined for uniformity of pitch with no splits or
A4.6.1 On heat–treated wire of diameter 0.100 in. fractures. The required arbor diameter, closed coil length, and
(2.54 mm) and larger, the specimen shall be flattened on two permanent coil extended length increase may vary with wire
parallel sides by grinding before testing. The hardness test is diameter, properties, and type.

A5. NOTES ON SIGNIFICANCE OF NOTCHED-BAR IMPACT TESTING

A5.1 Notch Behavior these materials. In contrast, the behavior of the ferritic steels
A5.1.1 The Charpy and Izod type tests bring out notch under notch conditions cannot be predicted from their proper-
behavior (brittleness versus ductility) by applying a single ties as revealed by the tension test. For the study of these
overload of stress. The energy values determined are quantita- materials the Charpy and Izod type tests are accordingly very
tive comparisons on a selected specimen but cannot be useful. Some metals that display normal ductility in the tension
converted into energy values that would serve for engineering test may nevertheless break in brittle fashion when tested or
design calculations. The notch behavior indicated in an indi- when used in the notched condition. Notched conditions
vidual test applies only to the specimen size, notch geometry, include restraints to deformation in directions perpendicular to
and testing conditions involved and cannot be generalized to the major stress, or multiaxial stresses, and stress concentra-
other sizes of specimens and conditions. tions. It is in this field that the Charpy and Izod tests prove
useful for determining the susceptibility of a steel to notch-
A5.1.2 The notch behavior of the face-centered cubic met- brittle behavior though they cannot be directly used to appraise
als and alloys, a large group of nonferrous materials and the the serviceability of a structure.
austenitic steels can be judged from their common tensile
properties. If they are brittle in tension they will be brittle when A5.1.3 The testing machine itself must be sufficiently rigid
notched, while if they are ductile in tension, they will be ductile or tests on high-strength low-energy materials will result in
when notched, except for unusually sharp or deep notches excessive elastic energy losses either upward through the
(much more severe than the standard Charpy or Izod speci- pendulum shaft or downward through the base of the machine.
mens). Even low temperatures do not alter this characteristic of If the anvil supports, the pendulum striking edge, or the

43
 A370 − 23
machine foundation bolts are not securely fastened, tests on bar will be more prone to brittle fracture (see Table A5.1). Also,
ductile materials in the range of 80 ft·lbf (108 J) may actually as the speed of deformation increases, the shear strength
indicate values in excess of 90 ft·lbf to 100 ft·lbf (122 J to increases and the likelihood of brittle fracture increases. On the
136 J). other hand, by raising the temperature, leaving the notch and
the speed of deformation the same, the shear strength is
A5.2 Notch Effect lowered and ductile behavior is promoted, leading to shear
A5.2.1 The notch results in a combination of multiaxial failure.
stresses associated with restraints to deformation in directions A5.2.5 Variations in notch dimensions will seriously affect
perpendicular to the major stress, and a stress concentration at the results of the tests. Tests on E4340 steel specimens7 have
the base of the notch. A severely notched condition is generally shown the effect of dimensional variations on Charpy results
not desirable, and it becomes of real concern in those cases in (see Table A5.1).
which it initiates a sudden and complete failure of the brittle
type. Some metals can be deformed in a ductile manner even A5.3 Size Effect
down to the low temperatures of liquid air, while others may A5.3.1 Increasing either the width or the depth of the
crack. This difference in behavior can be best understood by specimen tends to increase the volume of metal subject to
considering the cohesive strength of a material (or the property distortion, and by this factor tends to increase the energy
that holds it together) and its relation to the yield point. In cases absorption when breaking the specimen. However, any in-
of brittle fracture, the cohesive strength is exceeded before crease in size, particularly in width, also tends to increase the
significant plastic deformation occurs and the fracture appears degree of restraint and by tending to induce brittle fracture,
crystalline. In cases of the ductile or shear type of failure, may decrease the amount of energy absorbed. Where a
considerable deformation precedes the final fracture and the standard-size specimen is on the verge of brittle fracture, this is
broken surface appears fibrous instead of crystalline. In inter- particularly true, and a double-width specimen may actually
mediate cases the fracture comes after a moderate amount of require less energy for rupture than one of standard width.
deformation and is part crystalline and part fibrous in appear-
ance. A5.3.2 In studies of such effects where the size of the
material precludes the use of the standard specimen, as for
A5.2.2 When a notched bar is loaded, there is a normal example when the material is 1⁄4-in. plate, subsize specimens
stress across the base of the notch which tends to initiate are necessarily used. Such specimens (see Fig. 6 of Test
fracture. The property that keeps it from cleaving, or holds it Methods E23) are based on the Type A specimen of Fig. 4 of
together, is the “cohesive strength.” The bar fractures when the Test Methods E23.
normal stress exceeds the cohesive strength. When this occurs
without the bar deforming it is the condition for brittle fracture. A5.3.3 General correlation between the energy values ob-
tained with specimens of different size or shape is not feasible,
A5.2.3 In testing, though not in service because of side but limited correlations may be established for specification
effects, it happens more commonly that plastic deformation purposes on the basis of special studies of particular materials
precedes fracture. In addition to the normal stress, the applied and particular specimens. On the other hand, in a study of the
load also sets up shear stresses which are about 45° to the relative effect of process variations, evaluation by use of some
normal stress. The elastic behavior terminates as soon as the arbitrarily selected specimen with some chosen notch will in
shear stress exceeds the shear strength of the material and most instances place the methods in their proper order.
deformation or plastic yielding sets in. This is the condition for
ductile failure. A5.4 Effects of Testing Conditions
A5.2.4 This behavior, whether brittle or ductile, depends on A5.4.1 The testing conditions also affect the notch behavior.
whether the normal stress exceeds the cohesive strength before So pronounced is the effect of temperature on the behavior of
the shear stress exceeds the shear strength. Several important
facts of notch behavior follow from this. If the notch is made
sharper or more drastic, the normal stress at the root of the 7
Fahey, N. H., “Effects of Variables in Charpy Impact Testing,” Materials
notch will be increased in relation to the shear stress and the Research & Standards, Vol 1, No. 11, November, 1961, p. 872.

TABLE A5.1 Effect of Varying Notch Dimensions on Standard Specimens

High-energy Medium-energy Low-energy
Specimens, ft·lbf (J) Specimens, ft·lbf (J) Specimens, ft·lbf (J)
Specimen with standard dimensions 76.0 ± 3.8 (103.0 ± 5.2) 44.5 ± 2.2 (60.3 ± 3.0) 12.5 ± 1.0 (16.9 ± 1.4)
Depth of notch, 0.084 in. (2.13 mm)A 72.2 (97.9) 41.3 (56.0) 11.4 (15.5)
Depth of notch, 0.0805 in. (2.04 mm)A 75.1 (101.8) 42.2 (57.2) 12.4 (16.8)
Depth of notch, 0.0775 in. (1.77 mm)A 76.8 (104.1) 45.3 (61.4) 12.7 (17.2)
Depth of notch, 0.074 in. (1.57 mm)A 79.6 (107.9) 46.0 (62.4) 12.8 (17.3)
Radius at base of notch, 0.005 in. (0.127 mm)B 72.3 (98.0) 41.7 (56.5) 10.8 (14.6)
Radius at base of notch, 0.015 in. (0.381 mm)B 80.0 (108.5) 47.4 (64.3) 15.8 (21.4)
A
Standard 0.079 in. ± 0.002 in. (2.00 mm ± 0.05 mm).
B
Standard 0.010 in. ± 0.001 in. (0.25 mm ± 0.025 mm).

44
 A370 − 23
steel when notched that comparisons are frequently made by will slow down and erroneously high energy values will be
examining specimen fractures and by plotting energy value and recorded. This problem accounts for many of the inconsisten-
fracture appearance versus temperature from tests of notched cies in Charpy results reported by various investigators within
bars at a series of temperatures. When the test temperature has the 10-ft·lbf to 25-ft·lbf (14 J to 34 J) range. The Apparatus
been carried low enough to start cleavage fracture, there may section (subsection regarding specimen clearance) of Test
be an extremely sharp drop in impact value or there may be a Methods E23 discusses the two basic machine designs and a
relatively gradual falling off toward the lower temperatures. modification found to be satisfactory in minimizing jamming.
This drop in energy value starts when a specimen begins to
exhibit some crystalline appearance in the fracture. The tran- A5.5 Velocity of Straining
sition temperature at which this embrittling effect takes place A5.5.1 Velocity of straining is likewise a variable that
varies considerably with the size of the part or test specimen affects the notch behavior of steel. The impact test shows
and with the notch geometry. somewhat higher energy absorption values than the static tests
A5.4.2 A problem peculiar to Charpy-type tests occurs above the transition temperature and yet, in some instances, the
when high-strength, low-energy specimens are tested at low reverse is true below the transition temperature.
temperatures. These specimens may not leave the machine in
A5.6 Correlation With Service
the direction of the pendulum swing but rather in a sidewise
direction. To ensure that the broken halves of the specimens do A5.6.1 While Charpy or Izod tests may not directly predict
not rebound off some component of the machine and contact the ductile or brittle behavior of steel as commonly used in
the pendulum before it completes its swing, modifications may large masses or as components of large structures, these tests
be necessary in older model machines. These modifications can be used as acceptance tests of identity for different lots of
differ with machine design. Nevertheless the basic problem is the same steel or in choosing between different steels, when
the same in that provisions must be made to prevent rebound- correlation with reliable service behavior has been established.
ing of the fractured specimens into any part of the swinging It may be necessary to make the tests at properly chosen
pendulum. Where design permits, the broken specimens may temperatures other than room temperature. In this, the service
be deflected out of the sides of the machine and yet in other temperature or the transition temperature of full-scale speci-
designs it may be necessary to contain the broken specimens mens does not give the desired transition temperatures for
within a certain area until the pendulum passes through the Charpy or Izod tests since the size and notch geometry may be
anvils. Some low-energy high-strength steel specimens leave so different. Chemical analysis, tension, and hardness tests may
impact machines at speeds in excess of 50 ft (15.3 m) ⁄s not indicate the influence of some of the important processing
although they were struck by a pendulum traveling at speeds factors that affect susceptibility to brittle fracture nor do they
approximately 17 ft (5.2 m)/s. If the force exerted on the comprehend the effect of low temperatures in inducing brittle
pendulum by the broken specimens is sufficient, the pendulum behavior.

A6. PROCEDURE FOR CONVERTING PERCENTAGE ELONGATION OF STANDARD ROUND TENSION TEST SPECIMEN
TO EQUIVALENT PERCENTAGE ELONGATION OF STANDARD FLAT SPECIMEN

A6.1 Scope e 5 e o @ 4.47 ~ =A ! /L # a

(A6.1)
A6.1.1 This method specifies a procedure for converting where:
percentage elongation after fracture obtained in a standard
0.500-in. (12.7 mm) diameter by 2-in. (51 mm) gauge length eo = percentage elongation after fracture on a standard test
test specimen to standard flat test specimens 1⁄2 in. by 2 in. and specimen having a 2-in. gauge length and 0.500-in.
11⁄2 in. by 8 in. (38.1 mm by 203 mm). diameter,
e = percentage elongation after fracture on a standard test
A6.2 Basic Equation specimen having a gauge length L and a cross-sectional
area A, and
A6.2.1 The conversion data in this method are based on an a = constant characteristic of the test material.
equation by Bertella,8 and used by Oliver9 and others. The
relationship between elongations in the standard 0.500-in. A6.3 Application
diameter by 2.0-in. test specimen and other standard specimens
A6.3.1 In applying the above equation the constant a is
can be calculated as follows:
characteristic of the test material. The value a = 0.4 has been
found to give satisfactory conversions for carbon, carbon-
8
Bertella, C. A., Giornale del Genio Civile, Vol 60, 1922, p. 343.
manganese, molybdenum, and chromium-molybdenum steels
9
Oliver, D. A., Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1928, within the tensile strength range of 40 000 psi to 85 000 psi
p. 827. (275 MPa to 585 MPa) and in the hot-rolled, in the hot-rolled

45
 A370 − 23
and normalized, or in the annealed condition, with or without Table A6.2 for annealed austenitic steels has been calculated
tempering. Note that the cold reduced and quenched and taking a = 0.127, with the standard 0.500-in. diameter by 2-in.
tempered states are excluded. For annealed austenitic stainless gauge length test specimen as the reference specimen.
steels, the value a = 0.127 has been found to give satisfactory A6.3.3 Elongation given for a standard 0.500-in. diameter
conversions. by 2-in. gauge length specimen may be converted to elongation
A6.3.2 Table A6.1 has been calculated taking a = 0.4, with for 1⁄2 in. by 2 in. or 11⁄2 in. by 8 in. (38.1 mm by 203 mm) flat
the standard 0.500-in. (12.7 mm) diameter by 2-in. (51 mm) specimens by multiplying by the indicated factor in Table A6.1
gauge length test specimen as the reference specimen. In the and Table A6.2.
case of the subsize specimens 0.350 in. (8.89 mm) in diameter A6.3.4 These elongation conversions shall not be used
by 1.4-in. (35.6 mm) gauge length, and 0.250-in. (6.35 mm) where the width to thickness ratio of the test piece exceeds 20,
diameter by 1.0-in. (25.4 mm) gauge length the factor in the as in sheet specimens under 0.025 in. (0.635 mm) in thickness.
equation is 4.51 instead of 4.47. The small error introduced by
using Table A6.1 for the subsized specimens may be neglected.

TABLE A6.1 Carbon and Alloy Steels—Material Constant a = 0.4. TABLE A6.2 Annealed Austenitic Stainless Steels—Material
Multiplication Factors for Converting Percent Elongation From Constant a = 0.127. Multiplication Factors for Converting Percent
1⁄2-in. Diameter by 2-in. Gauge Length Standard Tension Test Elongation From 1⁄2-in. Diameter by 2-in. Gauge Length Standard
Specimen to Standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. and 11⁄2-in. by 8-in. Flat Tension Test Specimen to Standard 1⁄2-in. by 2-in. and 11⁄2-in. by
Specimens 8-in. Flat Specimens
⁄ -in. by
12 11⁄2-in. by 11⁄2-in. by ⁄ -in.
12 11⁄2-in. 11⁄2-in.
Thickness, Thickness
2-in. 8-in. 8-in. Thickness, by by Thickness, by
in. in.
Specimen Specimen Specimen in. 2-in. 8-in. in. 8-in.
0.025 0.574 ... 0.800 0.822 Specimen Specimen Specimen
0.030 0.596 ... 0.850 0.832 0.025 0.839 ... 0.800 0.940
0.035 0.614 ... 0.900 0.841 0.030 0.848 ... 0.850 0.943
0.040 0.631 ... 0.950 0.850 0.035 0.857 ... 0.900 0.947
0.045 0.646 ... 1.000 0.859 0.040 0.864 ... 0.950 0.950
0.050 0.660 ... 1.125 0.880 0.045 0.870 ... 1.000 0.953
0.055 0.672 ... 1.250 0.898 0.050 0.876 ... 1.125 0.960
0.060 0.684 ... 1.375 0.916 0.055 0.882 ... 1.250 0.966
0.065 0.695 ... 1.500 0.932 0.060 0.886 ... 1.375 0.972
0.070 0.706 ... 1.625 0.947 0.065 0.891 ... 1.500 0.978
0.075 0.715 ... 1.750 0.961 0.070 0.895 ... 1.625 0.983
0.080 0.725 ... 1.875 0.974 0.075 0.899 ... 1.750 0.987
0.085 0.733 ... 2.000 0.987 0.080 0.903 ... 1.875 0.992
0.090 0.742 0.531 2.125 0.999 0.085 0.906 ... 2.000 0.996
0.100 0.758 0.542 2.250 1.010 0.090 0.909 0.818 2.125 1.000
0.110 0.772 0.553 2.375 1.021 0.095 0.913 0.821 2.250 1.003
0.120 0.786 0.562 2.500 1.032 0.100 0.916 0.823 2.375 1.007
0.130 0.799 0.571 2.625 1.042 0.110 0.921 0.828 2.500 1.010
0.140 0.810 0.580 2.750 1.052 0.120 0.926 0.833 2.625 1.013
0.150 0.821 0.588 2.875 1.061 0.130 0.931 0.837 2.750 1.016
0.160 0.832 0.596 3.000 1.070 0.140 0.935 0.841 2.875 1.019
0.170 0.843 0.603 3.125 1.079 0.150 0.940 0.845 3.000 1.022
0.180 0.852 0.610 3.250 1.088 0.160 0.943 0.848 3.125 1.024
0.190 0.862 0.616 3.375 1.096 0.170 0.947 0.852 3.250 1.027
0.200 0.870 0.623 3.500 1.104 0.180 0.950 0.855 3.375 1.029
0.225 0.891 0.638 3.625 1.112 0.190 0.954 0.858 3.500 1.032
0.250 0.910 0.651 3.750 1.119 0.200 0.957 0.860 3.625 1.034
0.275 0.928 0.664 3.875 1.127 0.225 0.964 0.867 3.750 1.036
0.300 0.944 0.675 4.000 1.134 0.250 0.970 0.873 3.875 1.038
0.325 0.959 0.686 ... ... 0.275 0.976 0.878 4.000 1.041
0.350 0.973 0.696 ... ... 0.300 0.982 0.883 ... ...
0.375 0.987 0.706 ... ... 0.325 0.987 0.887 ... ...
0.400 1.000 0.715 ... ... 0.350 0.991 0.892 ... ...
0.425 1.012 0.724 ... ... 0.375 0.996 0.895 ... ...
0.450 1.024 0.732 ... ... 0.400 1.000 0.899 ... ...
0.475 1.035 0.740 ... ... 0.425 1.004 0.903 ... ...
0.500 1.045 0.748 ... ... 0.450 1.007 0.906 ... ...
0.525 1.056 0.755 ... ... 0.475 1.011 0.909 ... ...
0.550 1.066 0.762 ... ... 0.500 1.014 0.912 ... ...
0.575 1.075 0.770 ... ... 0.525 1.017 0.915 ... ...
0.600 1.084 0.776 ... ... 0.550 1.020 0.917 ... ...
0.625 1.093 0.782 ... ... 0.575 1.023 0.920 ... ...
0.650 1.101 0.788 ... ... 0.600 1.026 0.922 ... ...
0.675 1.110 ... ... ... 0.625 1.029 0.925 ... ...
0.700 1.118 0.800 ... ... 0.650 1.031 0.927 ... ...
0.725 1.126 ... ... ... 0.675 1.034 ... ... ...
0.750 1.134 0.811 ... ... 0.700 1.036 0.932 ... ...
0.725 1.038 ... ... ...
0.750 1.041 0.936 ... ...

46
 A370 − 23
A6.3.5 While the conversions are considered to be reliable specimens covered in Test Methods A370, consideration must
within the stated limitations and may generally be used in be given to the metallurgical effects dependent on the thickness
specification writing where it is desirable to show equivalent of the material as processed.
elongation requirements for the several standard ASTM tension

A7. TESTING MULTI-WIRE STRAND

This annex has been replaced by Test Methods A1061/A1061M, and procedures for the tension testing of multi-wire
strand for prestressed concrete have been integrated into the relevant product specifications.

A8. ROUNDING OF TEST DATA

A8.1 Application strength to the nearest 1 ksi, and the producer and purchaser agree to the
nearest 0.1 ksi.
A8.1.1 This annex shall apply to rounding test data for the
purpose of determining conformance to product specification A8.2 Method
requirements.
A8.2.1 Values shall be rounded in accordance with the rules
A8.1.2 When the rounding method is not specified in the of Practice E29 Rounding Method, unless otherwise stated
product specification, the general requirements specification, herein.
and an agreement between producer and user, Table A8.1 shall
be used. A8.2.2 In the special case of rounding the number “5” when
no additional numbers other than “0” follow the “5,” rounding
A8.1.3 Observed or calculated test results and records shall be in accordance with Practice E29 Rounding Method,
maintained by testing laboratories are not subject to this annex. except where this would result in rejection of the product,
A8.1.4 Tighter levels of rounding, such as adding decimal in-which case, the number “5” shall be rounded either up or
places, may be specified by an agreement between the producer down in the direction of the required minimum or maximum
and purchaser, provided they are within the precision capability value limit, to not result in rejection of the product.
of the test method employed, and shall supersede any other
A8.2.3 Requirements for rounding levels for determining
requirements for rounding levels.
product acceptance or rejection are given in Table A8.1.
NOTE A8.1—Example: The product specification stipulates yield Specific reported test data values shall be rounded to Table

TABLE A8.1 Rounded Test Data for Determining Conformance to Product SpecificationB,E
Test Product Test Data Rounded ValueA
Yield Point, Yield Strength, Tensile StrengthD When specification values are expressed in ksiF 1 ksiF
When specification values are expressed in psi
<50 000 psi 100 psi
50 000 psi to <100 000 psi 500 psi
$100 000 psi 1000 psi

Elongation all values 1%

Reduction of Area all values 1%

Absorbed Energy all values ft · lbfF 1 ft · lbfF

Brinell Hardness all values tabular valueC
Rockwell Hardness all scales 1 Rockwell Hardness Number
A
Round test data per Practice E29 Rounding Method, to the rounding level of the values in this column. If the data value is exactly midway between two rounded values,
round in accordance with A8.2.1 and A8.2.2.
B
Rounding of test data for conformance to specification limits represented in SI Units is defined in Test Method A1058 Annex A1.
C
Round the mean diameter of the Brinell impression to the nearest 0.002 in. and report the corresponding Brinell hardness number read from the table without further
rounding.
D
Product specification values defined in ksi units shall reference ksi test data and rounded values, and product specification values defined in psi units shall reference
psi test data and rounded values. Considering that most strength requirements in product specifications are defined in ksi units, it is important to recognize that the precision
of rounded data expressed in psi units is potentially not equivalent to rounded data expressed in ksi units.
E
As stated in sections A8.1.1 and A8.1.2, this annex shall apply to rounding test data for the purpose of determining conformance to product specification requirements,
and only when the rounding method is not specified in the product specification, the general requirements specification, and an agreement between producer and
purchaser.
F
Conversions: 1 ksi = 6.895 MPa, 1 MPa = 0.145 ksi, 1 ft-lbf = 1.356 joules, 1 joule = 0.738 ft-lbf.

47
 A370 − 23
A8.1 for determining product acceptance or rejection, unless values of 24.95 ksi through and including 25.05 ksi round to 25.0 ksi
the product specification, the general requirements which are accepted values, where-as test values of 24.86 ksi through and
including 24.94 round to 24.9 ksi which are rejected values, resulting in
specification, or the producer and purchaser agreement is rejection of the product.
represented by a tighter rounded value than Table A8.1, such as
yield strength 25.0 ksi minimum, versus 25 ksi minimum. In A8.2.4 Table A8.1 values are designed to provide unifor-
this case, the test data value shall be rounded to the nearest unit mity in determining conformance to product specification
in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification requirements and should be considered when rounding require-
value limit, in accordance with sections A8.2.1 and A8.2.2. ments are stated in product specifications.
A8.2.5 When rounding requirements are neither stated in
NOTE A8.2—Example: For a yield strength requirement of 25 ksi
minimum, test values of 24.5 ksi through and including 25.4 ksi round to
the product specification nor listed in Table A8.1, an observed
25 ksi which are accepted values. or calculated value shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the
NOTE A8.3—Example: By agreement between producer and purchaser last right hand digit used in expressing the specification
for a tighter requirement such as yield strength 25.0 ksi minimum, test requirement.

A9. METHODS FOR TESTING STEEL REINFORCING BARS

The testing requirements for steel reinforcing bars contained in this annex have been integrated into the relevant prod-
uct specifications.

A10. PROCEDURE FOR USE AND CONTROL OF HEAT-CYCLE SIMULATION

A10.1 Purpose monitored by a recorder with resolution sufficient to clearly

A10.1.1 To ensure consistent and reproducible heat treat- define all aspects of the heating, holding, and cooling process.
ments of production forgings and the test specimens that All charts are to be clearly identified with all pertinent
represent them when the practice of heat-cycle simulation is information and identification required for maintaining perma-
used. nent records.
A10.4.1.2 Thermocouples shall be imbedded 180° apart if
A10.2 Scope the material specification requires test locations 180° apart.
A10.2.1 Generation and documentation of actual production A10.4.1.3 One master chart (or two if required in accor-
time—temperature curves (MASTER CHARTS). dance with A10.4.3.1) shall be produced to represent essen-
tially identical forgings (same size and shape). Any change in
A10.2.2 Controls for duplicating the master cycle during size or geometry (exceeding rough machining tolerances) of a
heat treatment of production forgings. (Heat treating within the forging will necessitate that a new master cooling curve be
essential variables established during A1.2.1.) developed.
A10.2.3 Preparation of program charts for the simulator A10.4.1.4 If more than one curve is required per master
unit. forging (180° apart) and a difference in cooling rate is
A10.2.4 Monitoring and inspection of the simulated cycle achieved, then the most conservative curve shall be used as the
within the limits established by the ASME Code. master curve.
A10.2.5 Documentation and storage of all controls, A10.4.2 Reproducibility of Heat Treatment Parameters on
inspections, charts, and curves. Production Forgings:
A10.4.2.1 All information pertaining to the quench and
A10.3 Referenced Documents temper of the master forging shall be recorded on an appro-
A10.3.1 ASME Standards:4 priate permanent record, similar to the one shown in Table
A10.3.1.1 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section A10.1.
III, latest edition. A10.4.2.2 All information pertaining to the quench and
A10.3.1.2 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section temper of the production forgings shall be appropriately
VIII, Division 2, latest edition. recorded, preferably on a form similar to that used in
A10.4.2.1. Quench records of production forgings shall be
A10.4 Procedure retained for future reference. The quench and temper record of
A10.4.1 Production Master Charts: the master forging shall be retained as a permanent record.
A10.4.1.1 Thermocouples shall be imbedded in each forg- A10.4.2.3 A copy of the master forging record shall be
ing from which a master chart is obtained. Temperature shall be stored with the heat treatment record of the production forging.

48
 A370 − 23
TABLE A10.1 Heat-treat Record-essential Variables
Master Production Production Production Production Production
Forging Forging 1 Forging 2 Forging 3 Forging 4 Forging 5
Program chart number
Time at temperature and actual temperature of heat treatment
Method of cooling
Forging thickness
Thermocouple immersion
Beneath buffer (yes/no)
Forging number
Product
Material
Thermocouple location—0 deg
Thermocouple location—180 deg
Quench tank No.
Date of heat treatment
Furnace number
Cycle number
Heat treater
Starting quench medium temperature
Time from furnace to quench
Heating rate above 1000 °F (538 °C)
Temperature upon removal from quench after 5 min
Orientation of forging in quench

A10.4.2.4 The essential variables, as set forth on the heat A10.4.3.2 The heating cycle above the AC1, a portion of the
treat record, shall be controlled within the given parameters on holding cycle, and the cooling portion of the master chart shall
the production forging. be duplicated and the allowable limits on temperature and time,
A10.4.2.5 The temperature of the quenching medium prior as specified in (a) through (c), shall be established for
to quenching each production forging shall be equal to or lower verification of the adequacy of the simulated heat treatment.
than the temperature of the quenching medium prior to (a) Heat Cycle Simulation of Test Coupon Heat Treatment
quenching the master forging. for Quenched and Tempered Forgings and Bars—If cooling
A10.4.2.6 The time elapsed from opening the furnace door rate data for the forgings and bars and cooling rate control
to quench for the production forging shall not exceed that devices for the test specimens are available, the test specimens
elapsed for the master forging. may be heat-treated in the device.
A10.4.2.7 If the time parameter is exceeded in opening the (b) The test coupons shall be heated to substantially the
furnace door to beginning of quench, the forging shall be
same maximum temperature as the forgings or bars. The test
placed back into the furnace and brought back up to equaliza-
coupons shall be cooled at a rate similar to and no faster than
tion temperature.
the cooling rate representative of the test locations and shall be
A10.4.2.8 All forgings represented by the same master
forging shall be quenched with like orientation to the surface of within 25 °F (14 °C) and 20 s at all temperatures after cooling
the quench bath. begins. The test coupons shall be subsequently heat treated in
A10.4.2.9 All production forgings shall be quenched in the accordance with the thermal treatments below the critical
same quench tank, with the same agitation as the master temperature including tempering and simulated post weld heat
forging. treatment.
A10.4.2.10 Uniformity of Heat Treat Parameters—(1) The (c) Simulated Post Weld Heat Treatment of Test Specimens
difference in actual heat treating temperature between produc- (for ferritic steel forgings and bars)—Except for carbon steel (P
tion forgings and the master forging used to establish the Number 1, Section IX of the Code) forgings and bars with a
simulator cycle for them shall not exceed 625 °F (614 °C) for nominal thickness or diameter of 2 in. (51 mm) or less, the test
the quench cycle. (2) The tempering temperature of the specimens shall be given a heat treatment to simulate any
production forgings shall not fall below the actual tempering thermal treatments below the critical temperature that the
temperature of the master forging. (3) At least one contact forgings and bars may receive during fabrication. The simu-
surface thermocouple shall be placed on each forging in a lated heat treatment shall utilize temperatures, times, and
production load. Temperature shall be recorded for all surface cooling rates as specified on the order. The total time at
thermocouples on a Time Temperature Recorder and such temperature(s) for the test material shall be at least 80 % of the
records shall be retained as permanent documentation. total time at temperature(s) to which the forgings and bars are
A10.4.3 Heat-cycle Simulation: subjected during postweld heat treatment. The total time at
A10.4.3.1 Program charts shall be made from the data temperature(s) for the test specimens may be performed in a
recorded on the master chart. All test specimens shall be given single cycle.
the same heating rate above, the AC1, the same holding time
and the same cooling rate as the production forgings.

49
 A370 − 23
A10.4.3.3 Prior to heat treatment in the simulator unit, test A10.4.4.2 If retesting is permissible, a new test specimen
specimens shall be machined to standard sizes that have been shall be heat treated the same as previously. The production
determined to allow adequately for subsequent removal of forging that it represents will have received the same heat
decarb and oxidation. treatment. If the test passes, the forging shall be acceptable. If
A10.4.3.4 At least one thermocouple per specimen shall be it fails, the forging shall be rejected or shall be subject to reheat
used for continuous recording of temperature on an indepen- treatment if permissible.
dent external temperature-monitoring source. Due to the sen- A10.4.4.3 If reheat treatment is permissible, proceed as
sitivity and design peculiarities of the heating chamber of follows: (1) Reheat treatment same as original heat treatment
certain equipment, it is mandatory that the hot junctions of (time, temperature, cooling rate). Using new test specimens
control and monitoring thermocouples always be placed in the from an area as close as possible to the original specimens,
same relative position with respect to the heating source repeat the austenitize and quench cycles twice, followed by the
(generally infrared lamps). tempering cycle (double quench and temper). The production
A10.4.3.5 Each individual specimen shall be identified, and forging shall be given the identical double quench and temper
such identification shall be clearly shown on the simulator as its test specimens above. (2) Reheat treatment using a new
chart and simulator cycle record.
heat treatment practice. Any change in time, temperature, or
A10.4.3.6 The simulator chart shall be compared to the
cooling rate shall constitute a new heat treatment practice. A
master chart for accurate reproduction of simulated quench in
new master curve shall be produced and the simulation and
accordance with A10.4.3.2(a). If any one specimen is not heat
testing shall proceed as originally set forth.
treated within the acceptable limits of temperature and time,
such specimen shall be discarded and replaced by a newly A10.4.4.4 In summation, each test specimen and its corre-
machined specimen. Documentation of such action and reasons sponding forging shall receive identical heat treatment or heat
for deviation from the master chart shall be shown on the treatment; otherwise the testing shall be invalid.
simulator chart, and on the corresponding nonconformance A10.4.5 Storage, Recall, and Documentation of Heat-cycle
report. Simulation Data—All records pertaining to heat-cycle simula-
A10.4.4 Reheat Treatment and Retesting: tion shall be maintained and held for a period of ten years or as
A10.4.4.1 In the event of a test failure, retesting shall be designed by the customer. Information shall be so organized
handled in accordance with rules set forth by the material that all practices can be verified by adequate documented
specification. records.

REFERENCES

(1) Griffin, J. A., “Analysis of Data From NIST Technical Note 1858,” (4) Lucon, E., McCowan, C. N., and Santoyo, R. L. “Impact Character-
ASTM A01.13 Task Group Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 5.4.16, https:// ization of 4340 and T200 Steels by Means of Standard, Sub-size and
www.sfsa.org. Miniaturized Charpy Specimens,” NIST Technical Note 1858, http://
(2) Wallin, K., Powerpoint presentation “Sub-sized Cvn Specimen Con- nvlpubs.nist.gov.
version Methodology” ASTM A01.13 Task Group Meeting, Tampa, (5) Lucon, E., McCowan, C. N., Santoyo, R. L. “Impact Characterization
FL, 11.18.15, https://www.sfsa.org. of Line Pipe Steels by Means of Standard, Sub-size and Miniaturized
(3) Griffin, J. A., “A Literature Review to Assess the Reliability of the Charpy Specimens,” NIST Technical Note 1865, http://
Conversion Factors for Sub-size Specimens Shown in ASTM A370 nvlpubs.nist.gov.
Table 9,” https://www.sfsa.org.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (A370 – 22)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Sep. 15, 2023.)

(1) Revised Annex Table A8.1 to specify whole numbers and (4) Added A8.1.4, Notes A8.1-A8.3, and Footnotes D, E & F to
Footnote B for reference to Test Method A1058 Annex A1. Table A8.1.
(2) Revised Table A8.1 footnote A to include reference to (5) Revised A8.2.2 & A8.2.3 to provide further clarification for
Practice E29. acceptance or rejection criteria.
(3) Revised A8.1.2 to include reference to agreements between
producer and purchaser.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (A370 – 21)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2022.)

50
 A370 − 23
(1) Added definitions for fixed-location hardness testing ma- (3) Changed “hardness value” to “hardness number” through-
chine and portable hardness testing machine and related out.
references where applicable. (4) Added Table 6.
(2) Harmonized hardness testing value reporting for Rockwell,
Brinell, and Portable hardness testing machines.

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